Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government has suspended sarpanch of Barahipur gram panchayat in Mahanga block of Cuttack district for alleged embezzlement of over Rs 2 lakh.
The sarpanch, Rasmita Swain, is accused of siphoning off funds meant for purchasing two air conditioner (Rs 1,35,000), electrification (Rs 20,248), dismantling of Radhesyam School (Rs 48,000) and Rs 40,00 (AC transportation).
According to reports, Swain has violated provisions of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, and abused her power, acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of panchayat’s residents.
The suspension order was issued under Section 115(2) of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under Section 115(1) of the same Act.
A probe was ordered against the sarpanch in August on the basis of a complaint lodged by two ward members, who expressed happiness over the action taken against her.
The sarpanch, however, was unavailable for comments.