The Odisha Vigilance Directorate arrested eight women from Kuruki village in Jagatsinghpur district for allegedly defrauding government funds under the Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) scheme.
The scheme, designed to uplift rural families through self-employment and livestock support, was misused by the accused who failed to purchase the milch cows for which funds were sanctioned.
The arrested individuals—Mani Das, Pravati Das, Pramila Das, Lili Das, Chabilata Das, Hema Das, Shantilata Parida, and Mamata Parida—were part of a self-help group that received financial aid but diverted the money for personal use. They had been evading arrest for over 18 months before a special Vigilance team apprehended them and presented them before the Special Judge Vigilance Court in Cuttack.
The case also implicates two additional individuals: Kunja Bihari Swain, a former government veterinary assistant surgeon, and Ranjit Kumar Behera, an approved supplier. Both are currently facing trial for their alleged roles in the misappropriation.
Charges have been filed under multiple sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and cheating. The arrests underscore the state’s intensified efforts to ensure accountability in welfare schemes and protect public resources.
