TV
A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) in Jajpur district was arrested by Odisha Vigilance on Saturday evening on charges of misappropriating government funds allocated for Old Age Pension (OAP) beneficiaries.
According to reports, the accused, Santosh Kumar Jena, was posted at Pimpudia Gram Panchayat under Sukinda block at the time of the alleged irregularities.
According to Vigilance officials, Jena embezzled Rs 7.35 lakh, which had been sanctioned for distribution among pensioners. Instead of transferring the money to eligible beneficiaries, he allegedly retained the amount for personal use.
Investigation And Findings
The matter came to light after complaints of non-disbursement of pension in the panchayat. A verification conducted by Odisha Vigilance revealed that the sanctioned funds had not reached the intended recipients. Officials said that the probe confirmed Jena’s involvement in diverting the amount, leading to his immediate arrest.
Currently attached to Danagadi block, Jena was taken into custody on Sunday after sufficient evidence was gathered. Vigilance sources said that further scrutiny will examine whether similar irregularities were committed during his tenure in other postings.
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Legal Action Initiated
Following the arrest, Odisha Vigilance registered a case at Cuttack Vigilance police station under relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
As per the last reports, Jena will be produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack, and further proceedings will be underway. Officials confirmed that the investigation is continuing to trace the financial trail and identify whether any other officials or intermediaries were involved in the misappropriation.
