Berhampur: A Special Vigilance Court has sentenced a former panchayat secretary in Odisha’s Ganjam district to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 3 years for misappropriation of rice supplied under government schemes.
Odisha Vigilance had submitted chargesheet against Bijaya Pradhan, former secretary of Chandanpur panchayat under Beguniapada block in the district.
Pradhan was accused of misappropriation of rice received under Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY-I & II) and National Food For Work Programme (NFFWP) schemes and cement received under 11th Financial Commission.
After hearing the case, Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur sentenced Pradhan to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000.
Odisha Vigilance will now move the competent authority for stoppage of pension of Pradhan.
Arun Kumar Nayak, former inspector, Vigilance, Berhampur Division had investigated the case and Surendra Panda, Special Public Prosecutor, Vigilance, Berhampur conducted the case on behalf of the prosecution.
