Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance officials on Friday arrested Bhismaraj Meher, former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), and Tukaram Hial, Sarpanch of Ranimunda Gram Panchayat under Khariar Block in Nuapada district, for allegedly misappropriating government funds amounting to ₹14,24,722.
According to an official press release, a complaint was received alleging embezzlement of government funds by Meher and Hial. During verification, Odisha Vigilance officials found that the duo had misappropriated ₹14,24,722 sanctioned under the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and the 6th State Finance Commission (SFC). The funds were intended for developmental works such as drinking water supply through pipelines and various government construction projects during the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24. However, the works were either not executed or only partially done.
Following the findings, both Meher and Hial were arrested and produced before the court.
A case has been registered against them under Section 13(2) read with 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Sections 316(5) and 6 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
