Kendrapara: A woman panchayat executive officer (PEO) was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly siphoning off Rs 10 lakh public money in Kendrapara district.
The accused Minati Baske, posted at Akhulipada gram panchayat under Rajkanika police limits, allegedly embezzled the money meant for various developmental works. She was arrested after an FIR was lodged by Rajkanika block development officer (BDO).
According to sources, Baske withdrew Rs 10 lakh from the bank by forging signature of the sarpanch. After the fraud came to light, the sarpanch had lodged a complaint with Rajkanika BDO.
A departmental inquiry was launched and the allegations against the PEO were found to be true. Later, Rajkanika BDO lodged a police complaint.
On the basis of the complaint, the PEO has been arrested and forwarded to court today.
Dilip Kumar Parida, project director of district rural development agency (DRDA), Kendrapara said, “When the sarpanch lodged a complaint with the BDO, an inquiry was conducted and the PEO was found guilty of siphoning off the money. The misappropriated money will be recovered from her. If needed, her property will be seized to recover the government money.”
