Nuapada: PEO, His Brother Arrested for Embezzlement of Govt Funds

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday arrested Satybrata Baral, PEO of Ghuchaguda gram panchayat under Sinapali block in Nuapada district and brother Uttam Baral for allegedly embezzlement of government funds worth over Rs 7 lakhs.

As per the Vigilance, the PEO and his brother have misappropriated government funds of Rs.7,20,981 in conspiracy with Bijaylaxmi Baral, Sarapanch, Kureswar G.P,.and Barun Das, PEO, Kureswar G.P under CFC and SFC Funds without execution of works like installment of High Mast light, repairing and maintenance of Street Lights, supply of gym equipment in Park under Kureswar G.P during 2024-2025.

During further investigation, it was revealed that the entire amount of Rs.7, 20, 981 was misappropriated without installing any high mast lights and purchase of gym equipment, also no repairs were carried out. An amount of Rs.4.2 Lakhs was credited to accounts of the Baral brothers (the sons of the Sarpanch) and the rest amount Rs.3,00,981was credited to account of Sr Barun Das, PEO, Kureswar G.P.

In this connection, Koraput Vigilance PS Case No 4 dated 21.02.2025 U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a)PC (Amendment) Act, 2018/316(5)/61BNS has been registered against Satyabrata Baral, Uttam Baral, Bijaylaxmi Baral, and Barun Das. Investigation of the case is underway, the Vigilance stated.