PEO Arrested by Odisha Vigilance for Alleged Misappropriation of Rs 11.28 Lakh

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Monday arrested Dillip Kumar Pradhan, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Ratanpur Gram Panchayat under Tangi Block in Khordha district, for allegedly misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 11,28,600.

According to an official press release, Pradhan allegedly diverted the funds during his earlier tenure between January 2023 and July 2024 while serving as PEO of Balipatna Panchayat Samiti.

Investigations revealed that the funds were meant for beneficiaries under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY), a scheme aimed at supporting elderly and vulnerable residents in Pampalo and Rajas Gram Panchayats under Balianta Block. However, the amount was allegedly siphoned off by the accused.

Bhubaneswar Vigilance has registered a case (P.S. Case No. 6 dated April 6, 2026) under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Following his arrest, Pradhan has been forwarded to the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.