Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance on Friday arrested two former Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) from Puri district for allegedly siphoning off more than Rs 30 lakh meant for poor and vulnerable beneficiaries under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).
Those arrested are Sulamani Jani, former PEO of Gadamrugsira and Jamarsuan Gram Panchayats under Sadar Block (currently posted at Sadar Block Office), and Tuna Pradhan, former PEO of Sahupada Gram Panchayat under Kanas Block (currently attached to Gop Block Office).
According to the Vigilance investigation, the duo misappropriated a total of Rs 30,78,620 between 2022 and 2025. Jani allegedly diverted Rs 15,74,820, while Pradhan is accused of embezzling Rs 15,03,800. The funds were intended for elderly, disabled, and destitute persons but were retained and misdirected for personal gain instead of being disbursed to the beneficiaries.
The arrests followed two separate cases registered at Bhubaneswar Vigilance police station 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.
