In a major anti-corruption drive, the Odisha Vigilance has arrested Dillip Kumar Pradhan, currently serving as Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Ratanpur Gram Panchayat under Tangi Block in Khordha district.
Pradhan was taken into custody today and forwarded to the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. He stands accused of misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 11,28,600 during his previous tenure as PEO of Balipatna Panchayat Samiti between January 2023 and July 2024.
Detailed investigations revealed that the embezzled amount was specifically earmarked under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) for disbursement to eligible elderly and vulnerable beneficiaries in Pampalo GP and Rajas GP under Balianta Block, Khordha district. Instead of reaching the intended recipients, the funds were allegedly diverted and siphoned off by the accused officer.
A case has been registered at Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 6 dated 06.04.2026) under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigation into the case is in progress.
