Bhubaneswar, 22 December (H.S.): The Odisha Vigilance has apprehended Sri Surendra Bhatra, a suspended Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), for misappropriating over ₹65 lakh in government funds. These funds were allocated to Parchipara Gram Panchayat (GP) and Kacharapada-III GP under the Raighar Block of Nabarangpur district for the financial year 2023-24.

The misappropriated amount includes more than ₹50 lakh intended for Kacharapada-III GP and over ₹15 lakh for Parchipara GP. These funds were allegedly diverted without the execution of various developmental projects in the respective areas.

The Odisha Vigilance has filed two separate cases against Bhatra at the Koraput Vigilance Police Station (Case Nos. 27 and 28, dated December 21, 2024) under Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, as well as Section 316(5) of the BNS Act, 2023.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda