A shocking case of government funds embezzlement has come to light in Odisha's Kalahandi district. Debananda Sagar, a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), misused his position to siphon off ₹3.26 crore from the public funds of two panchayats, using the money for online gaming and cricket betting.
Bhubaneswar: In Kalahandi district, Odisha, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) Debananda Sagar has been implicated in the embezzlement of ₹3.26 crore. He misused public funds, diverting them to online gaming and cricket betting. Investigations revealed that he transferred these funds to his personal account through forged signatures and financial irregularities. The State Vigilance Department uncovered the case, arresting the accused.
Major Embezzlement Through Forged Signatures
Investigations revealed that Debananda Sagar misused the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) by forging the signatures of panchayat sarpanches. He transferred crores of rupees from the accounts of the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and the 5th State Finance Commission to his personal bank account.
Crores Embezzled from Two Panchayats
Talnegi Gram Panchayat – ₹1.71 crore embezzled
Podapadar Gram Panchayat – ₹1.55 crore embezzled
According to the State Vigilance Department, the accused transferred these funds to his account at the SBI Dharmagadh Bazaar branch and squandered them on online gaming and betting.
Misuse of Government Position
Reports indicate that Debananda Sagar was appointed as PEO in Talnegi Gram Panchayat on July 4, 2016. From May 5, 2018, to March 17, 2022, he was posted in Podapadar Gram Panchayat, during which he orchestrated the embezzlement. Following reports of the scam, the Vigilance Department launched an investigation. After gathering substantial evidence, the accused officer was arrested, and further investigations are underway.
This case serves as a serious example of the misuse of government funds in online betting and gaming. The administration is also investigating whether any other officials were involved in this scam. This incident raises serious questions about the security of government funds in Odisha.
