Sarpanch arrested for siphoning off Rs 23L Govt funds in Odisha

Keonjhar: The Sarpanch of Pipilia Gram Panchayat in Keonjhar district was arrested by police today on charges of embezzling Government funds sanctioned for various developmental projects.

The arrest was made following a complaint lodged by Ghatgaon BDO in this connection. However, a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), another accused in this case, is still absconding.

As per the complaint, Rs 23 lakh was sanctioned in last financial year for execution of various developmental projects in Pipilia Panchayat. Instead of utlising the funds, Sarpanch Upendra Nayak and the PEO allegedly siphoned off all the money. Later, locals brought the matter to the notice of the local BDO, who lodged a police complaint against the two. Acting on the written complaint, police detained the Sarpanch and are interrogating him in this connection.

However, police officials were not available too comment on the matter.