Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Friday arrested two former Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) of Puri district for allegedly misappropriating more than ₹30.78 lakh of government funds meant for beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), officials said.
The accused were identified as Sulamani Jani, former PEO of Gadamrugsira and Jamarsuan gram panchayats under Sadar block, currently attached to the Sadar Block Office, and Tuna Pradhan, former PEO of Sahupada gram panchayat under Kanas block, who is currently attached to the Gop Block Office.
According to Vigilance officials, an investigation revealed that the two officials allegedly exploited their official positions between 2022 and 2025 to siphon off pension funds earmarked for elderly, disabled and destitute beneficiaries.
The probe found that Jani allegedly misappropriated ₹15,74,820, while Pradhan allegedly embezzled ₹15,03,800 by retaining pension amounts that remained undisbursed instead of ensuring they reached eligible beneficiaries.
The combined alleged misappropriation in the two separate cases stands at ₹30,78,620.
The two accused were arrested and are being produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.
In connection with the cases, Odisha Vigilance registered Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station Case Nos. 13 and 14 of 2026 under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further investigation is underway, officials said.
