Bhubaneswar: In a decisive anti-corruption crackdown on pilferage of agricultural subsidies, Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday arrested a former secretary of KALLA Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society (PACS) in Debagada district for allegedly embezzling Rs 16.72 lakh.
The accused, identified as Sripati Pradhan, was forwarded to the court of the special judge, Vigilance Sambalpur.
The period of offence occurred during the financial year 2024-25. On the alleged misappropriation of over Rs 16 lakhs in KALLA PACS, a through verification was taken up by Vigilance. The verification revealed that Pradhan systematically falsified registers, ledger entries & inventory books to conceal the illegal diversion and sale proceeds of diverse fertilizers meant for local farming communities.
The investigation further proved that the accused converted public money amounting to Rs 16,72,567/- to his personal use, directly depriving farmers of intended government benefits.
In this connection, a case has been registered against Pradhan and investigation is in progress.