Debagada: Odisha Vigilance Tuesday arrested the former secretary of Kalla Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) in Debagada district for allegedly misappropriating Rs 16.72 lakh in government funds during the 2024-25 financial year.
The accused, Sripati Pradhan, was arrested over allegations of diverting funds and illegally selling fertiliser meant for local farmers. He was produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur, following his arrest.
According to the Vigilance investigation, Pradhan allegedly manipulated registers, ledger entries and stock and inventory records to conceal the unauthorised sale of fertiliser. The investigation further found that Rs 16,72,567 from government funds was allegedly taken for personal use, depriving farmers of intended benefits.
A case was registered at the Raurkela Vigilance police station Tuesday under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The arrest was made as part of Odisha Vigilance’s ongoing drive against irregularities in the handling of agricultural subsidy and government funds.