Odisha Vigilance has arrested Santosh Kumar Jena, a former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Pimpudia Gram Panchayat under Sukinda Block in Jajpur district, for allegedly embezzling Rs 7.35 lakh in government funds earmarked for old age pensions (OAP).
The arrest follows a thorough investigation by the anti-corruption wing, which uncovered the misappropriation of funds intended for vulnerable elderly beneficiaries.
According to the Vigilance Directorate, a probe was initiated after allegations surfaced that Jena, now attached to Danagadi Block in Jajpur, had siphoned off Rs 7.35 lakh allocated for distribution among old age pension beneficiaries in Pimpudia GP. The investigation confirmed that the accused failed to distribute the funds to the intended recipients, instead diverting the money for personal gain.
Jena was arrested and presented before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, in Cuttack today. A case has been registered against him under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Cuttack Vigilance PS Case No. 26/2025.
