The Odisha Vigilance on Saturday arrested Sri Debananda Sagar, a former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) under suspension, for misappropriating Rs 3.26 crore of government funds during his tenure at Podapadar and Talnegi Gram Panchayats in Thuamul-Rampur Block, Kalahandi district.
The investigation revealed that Sagar, between May 2018 and March 2022, diverted funds from the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and 5th State Finance Commission (SFC) accounts of the two Gram Panchayats. Using his official position, he forged the signatures of the respective Sarpanches and withdrew the money through cheques and online transfers using the Public Finance Management System (PFMS). The embezzled funds were transferred to his personal account at SBI Dharamgarh Bazar Branch and subsequently used for online cricket betting on the FAIRPLAY portal.
Sagar, who joined government service in 2016, has faced similar allegations in the past. In 2023, he was booked by Vigilance for misappropriating ₹1.04 crore while serving as PEO in three other Gram Panchayats under Lanjigarh Block, Kalahandi. He was suspended following the earlier charges.
Two new cases have been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, of 1988, as amended in 2018. Sagar will be presented before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, as the investigation progresses.
The Odisha Vigilance’s action underscores the ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption and misuse of public funds.
