Bhubaneswar, Mar 29 (UNI) Four Odisha government functionaries were arrested on Saturday by the state Vigilance for a loan fraud amounting to over Rs 64 lakh.
According to Vigilance sources, Bhubaneswar Sahu, former Secretary of Katarbaga PACS, Bhagaban Patel, former Secretary of Talab PACS, and Chhabila Behera & Kantilal Bhoi, both former Secretaries of Kansingha PACS, have been arrested by Odisha Vigilance for embezzling public funds totaling Rs.64,13,730 in their respective PACS.
The misappropriated amount was related to the collection of loan repayment funds and the sale proceeds of fertilizers.
These four officials, by abusing their official powers and manipulating entries in the Day Book of the respective societies, misappropriated funds through unauthorized withdrawals beyond permissible limits from the savings bank deposit accounts of members.
In this connection, Sambalpur Vigilance has registered a case under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the PC Amendment Act, 2018, along with Sections 477-A, 201, and 409 of the IPC, on Friday.
According to Vigilance sources, all four arrested officials will be forwarded to the court later in the day.
UNI DP KK