Bhubaneswar, 22 May (H.S.): In a significant anti-corruption breakthrough, Odisha Vigilance has secured the conviction of former Panchayat Secretary of Jodakudar Gram Panchayat under Lathikata Block in Sundargarh district in a corruption case involving misappropriation of government property.

Alexander Ekka, former Panchayat Secretary of Jodakudar Gram Panchayat under Lathikata Block, was earlier charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 409 of the IPC for alleged misappropriation of office cash and rice allotted to the Gram Panchayat. On Friday , May 22, 2026, the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh convicted Ekka in the case and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years along with a fine of Rs. 20,000.

Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance stated that it will move the competent authority for stoppage of pension benefits of Sri Alexander Ekka, who has since retired from service.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda