Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday arrested two former officials of Panchupada Gram Panchayat in Sadar Block, Baleshwar, alleging systematic misappropriation of Rs.9,59,875 in public funds.
The accused — former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) Sanjay Kumar Pandit and former Sarpanch Ganesh Chandra Das — were produced before the Hon’ble Court of the Special Judge Vigilance, Baleshwar, after their arrest and have been formally forwarded for judicial proceedings.
The vigilance probe, opened after irregularities surfaced in Panchupada GP accounts, found what investigators describe as a coordinated diversion of government resources. Authorities say the alleged scheme involved multiple accounting and administrative lapses that together account for nearly Rs.9.6 lakh of missing or unaccounted funds.
Key irregularities identified by investigators include:
- Suppression of receipts:
Collections recorded under official GP money receipts were reportedly omitted from the GP cash book, creating gaps between receipts and recorded balances. - Diversion of Finance Commission grants:
Central and State Finance Commission grants were allegedly transferred into the GP account without proper authorization and later written off against development works with no supporting documentation. - Unaccounted cash withdrawals:
Investigators allege direct cash withdrawals were made from the GP fund without corresponding accounting entries or vouchers. - False payments:
Monthly remuneration was shown as disbursed to the Naib Sarpanch despite records indicating he had resigned earlier, suggesting fictitious payroll entries.
A formal case has been registered at Baleshwar Vigilance Police Station as PS Case No.20/2026 under sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, and relevant sections of the IPC (409/477-A/120-B). The vigilance agency said the investigation remains active and further action will follow as evidence is developed.
Both accused were taken into custody after the arrests and presented before the Special Judge Vigilance, Baleshwar. The court proceedings and any subsequent charges will determine the next legal steps.
Investigation into the matter is ongoing and further updates will be provided as the vigilance inquiry advances.
