Kandhamal PEO Arrested for Embezzling Rs 12.87 Lakh SFC Fund
The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has arrested Binayak Nayak, former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Kuerimandu Gram Panchayat under Phiringia Block in Kandhamal district, for allegedly misappropriating government funds.
According to officials, Nayak siphoned off Rs 12,87,201 from the State Finance Commission (SFC) Fund between February and March 2025, without executing any development works in the gram panchayat.
Following a detailed investigation, the Vigilance team registered Berhampur Vigilance PS Case No. 18/2025 under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Nayak has been forwarded to the Special Judge, Vigilance Court, Phulbani, for judicial proceedings.
Authorities confirmed that the probe is ongoing, with efforts underway to identify additional irregularities and possible accomplices.
The arrest underscores Odisha’s continued crackdown on corruption and misuse of public funds, particularly in rural governance structures.
