Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha Vigilance arrested Panchayat official Santosh Kumar Jena for embezzling Rs 7.35 lakh meant for Old Age Pension (OAP) beneficiaries in Pimpudia GP, Sukinda Block, Jajpur.

The enquiry revealed that Jena, formerly the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Pimpudia GP and currently attached to Danagadi Block, misappropriated government funds without distributing them to the intended recipients.

Following the findings, the Vigilance team apprehended Jena and sent him to the Court of the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack. Authorities registered Cuttack Vigilance PS Case No-26/2025 under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Section 409 of the IPC.

Investigation is ongoing to identify any accomplices and ensure the recovery of the misappropriated funds.

A Vigilance spokesperson stated, “We acted swiftly to uphold public trust. Misappropriation of government funds intended for vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated.”

This arrest underscores Odisha Vigilance’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of welfare schemes.

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