Odisha Vigilance Arrests PEO for Rs 7.35 Lakh Pension Fund Embezzlement in Jajpur
In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance has arrested Santosh Kumar Jena, a former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Pimpudia Gram Panchayat under Sukinda Block in Jajpur district, for allegedly embezzling Rs 7.35 lakh meant for old age pension beneficiaries.
The arrest follows a detailed investigation by the Vigilance Directorate, which uncovered that Jena—currently posted at Danagadi Block—had diverted funds intended for vulnerable elderly citizens for personal use.
The probe was initiated after complaints surfaced regarding discrepancies in pension disbursement records.
According to officials, Jena failed to distribute the allocated funds to the rightful recipients, instead siphoning off the amount.
He was presented before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, in Cuttack, and booked under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Odisha Vigilance to clamp down on financial misconduct within grassroots governance structures
