Kandhamal, June 19(OT Webdesk): Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested Akrura Majhi, the former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Saramuli Gram Panchayat under Daringbadi Block, for allegedly misappropriating Rs 53.38 lakh in government funds allocated under the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and the 5th State Finance Commission (SFC).
According to the vigilance investigation, during his tenure from October 31, 2023, to November 18, 2024, Majhi falsely recorded several development works in official documents and claimed full payments for them, though no actual execution took place.
The fabricated records, entered into the Panchayat Cash Book, led to substantial losses to the state exchequer.
Following a preliminary probe, a formal case was registered at Berhampur Vigilance PS under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The accused was presented before the Special Vigilance Court in Phulbani.
Further investigation is underway.
