Bhubaneswar 2 arrested for embezzling Rs 30.78 lakh pension fund

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance Department on Friday arrested two former Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) from Puri district for allegedly embezzling over ₹30.78 lakh meant for Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) beneficiaries.

Vigilance sources said the accused were identified as Sulemani Jani, former PEO of Gadamrugsira and Jamarasu Gram Panchayats under Sadar Block, and Tu Na Pradhan, former PEO of Sa Hudada Gram Panchayat under Kanas Block, who is now attached to the Gop Block Office. Both officials were arrested in connection with separate cases involving the alleged misuse of government funds meant for elderly, disabled, and destitute beneficiaries under the MBPY scheme.

A detailed Vigilance Department investigation revealed that the accused allegedly misused pension funds between 2022 and 2025 by abusing their official positions, retaining the undisbursed funds, and using them for personal gain. The investigation revealed that Sulemani Jani allegedly embezzled ₹15,74,820, while Tuna Pradhan allegedly embezzled ₹15,03,800, taking the total amount to over ₹30.78 lakh.

The Odisha Vigilance Department has registered separate cases against both the accused under Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Section 13(2) read with Section 316(5) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

After their arrest, both the accused were produced before the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.