Balangir: A former Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO) of Agalpur and Bharsula Panchayat under Agalpur block in Balangir was arrested for his involvement in financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 89 lakh.
The arrest was made following a complaint lodged by Agalpur Block Development Officer (BDO) Kuldip Mohanty at Agalpur police station, alleging embezzlement of government funds.
After receiving the complaint, Agalpur police detained Rajkishore Podha, a resident of Kulerbahali village under Puintala police station, on Wednesday and interrogated him.
According to the complaint, Podha was in charge of Agalpur and Bharsula panchayat. During BDO Kuldip Mohanty’s visit to Bharsula and Agalpur Panchayat in March, Podha failed to produce records of development work funded by the government. Consequently, Podha was removed from both posts by the BDO. However, Podha did not hand over responsibilities to his successor.
In April, BDO Mohanty summoned Podha to the block office for investigation, but Podha was absent. Finally, the BDO filed a complaint with the police.
