Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: The Odisha government has suspended Sanjukta Mohanty, the sarpanch of Gramnandipur panchayat in Jajpur district’s Dasarathapur block, for allegedly embezzling government funds.
According to an order from the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Mohanty misappropriated ₹11,72,500 meant for panchayat development under various schemes. The funds were sanctioned by the Central Finance Commission (CFC). The department stated that she violated the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, and acted against the interests of the panchayat’s residents.
Sources revealed that during her previous tenure (2012-2017), Mohanty siphoned off ₹11.72 lakh from nearly ₹12 lakh allocated for poverty alleviation programs. She allegedly transferred the amount to her husband’s bank account and forged utilization papers with the help of the then panchayat executive officer.
The misappropriation was uncovered by Naba Kishore Malik, who served as sarpanch from 2017 to 2022. Mohanty was re-elected in 2022. Following a complaint by activist Jayant Sadangi, Jajpur Collector P. Anvesha Reddy ordered a probe, confirming the allegations.
Based on the findings, the collector recommended action, leading to Mohanty’s suspension under Section 115(2) of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under Section 115(1) of the Act.
Odisha govt suspends woman sarpanch for alleged misappropriation of public funds
