Ex-PEO Held for Embezzling ₹53 Lakh Govt Funds in Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested Akrura Majhi, former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Saramuli Gram Panchayat under Daringbadi block in Kandhamal district, for allegedly misappropriating over ₹53 lakh in government funds.

As per a press release issued by the Vigilance Department, the embezzlement involved ₹53,38,809 sanctioned under the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and 5th State Finance Commission (SFC) grants. The irregularities occurred during Majhi’s tenure between October 31, 2023, and November 18, 2024.

Vigilance officials stated that although no developmental works were executed, Majhi falsely recorded their completion in government cash books and withdrew the full sanctioned amount. This deliberate misrepresentation resulted in a substantial financial loss to the state exchequer.

Following an investigation, Majhi was arrested and produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani. A case has been registered at the Berhampur Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 8/18.06.2025) under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Further investigation is currently underway.