Bhubaneswar, 01 September (H.S.): Odisha Vigilance has arrested Sripati Pradhan, former Secretary of Kalla Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) in Deogarh district, for allegedly misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 16,72,567.

Following his arrest, Pradhan was produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur, officials said.

The Vigilance Department had initiated a verification into allegations of financial irregularities and misappropriation of more than Rs 16 lakh at Kalla PACS during the 2024-25 financial year.

According to the Vigilance investigation, Pradhan allegedly manipulated and falsified official records, including registers, ledger entries and inventory books, to conceal the unauthorised diversion and sale proceeds of various types of fertilizers meant for local farmers.

The investigation allegedly established that the accused diverted Rs 16,72,567 of public funds for his personal use, thereby depriving farmers of the intended benefits of government-supported fertilizer distribution.

In connection with the alleged financial irregularities, Rourkela Vigilance Police Station has registered a case against Pradhan under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, along with Sections 316(5) and 344 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda