Authorities in Kandhamal suspended an Additional Development Officer (ADO) and a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) after allegations of Rs 38 lakh fraud surfaced in Dharakot Panchayat.
The irregularities reportedly occurred under the MGNREGA scheme during pond excavation work.
The District Collector ordered the suspension following complaints of financial mismanagement. Officials confirmed that the fraud involved inflated expenses and irregular documentation. The Collector also recommended the suspension of a Junior Engineer and an Assistant Engineer linked to the project.
The crackdown followed reports of widespread irregularities in rural development projects. Local sources alleged that funds meant for community assets were misused, triggering strong reactions from villagers.
Authorities assured strict action against those found guilty. The Collector emphasised transparency and accountability in MGNREGA projects, stating that disciplinary measures will continue against officials involved in corruption.
