Bhubaneswar: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) and his brother were arrested by Odisha Vigilance for allegedly misappropriating government funds of Rs 7,20,981.
Satybrata Baral, PEO of Ghuchaguda gram panchayat under Sinapali block of Nuapada district and brother Uttam Baral were arrested on charge of embezzlement of government funds.
The two carried out the misappropriation of CFC and SFC funds in conspiracy with Bijaylaxmi Baral, Sarapanch of Kureswar Gram Panchayat and Barun Das, PEO of Kureswar gram panchayat, a Vigilance press release said on Saturday.
As per investigation, the accused misappropriated the entire funds without executing the works in Kureswar gram panchayat. The funds were meant for installation of high mast light, repair and maintenance of street lights, supply of gym equipment in park in the gram panchayat during 2024-2025.
The official sources added Rs 4.2 lakh was credited to the accounts of the Baral brothers who are the sons of Bijaylaxmi Baral, the Sarpanch.
The remaining amount Rs 3,00,981 was credited to the account of Barun Das, PEO of Kureswar gram panchayat.
A case has been registered against Satyabrata Baral, Uttam Baral; Bijaylaxmi Baral, and Barun Das and further investigation in the case is underway.
