PEO held for embezzling Rs 43L for online betting, gaming

Berhampur: Vigilance sleuths on Friday arrested a panchayat executive officer (PEO) in Ganjam district for allegedly embezzling govt funds to the tune of over Rs 43 lakh for cricket betting and other online gaming.
"Khetramohan Nayak, PEO of Radhadeipur gram panchayat under Sanakhemundi block, allegedly misappropriated funds from different accounts of the panchayat, including CFC (Central Finance Commission), SFC (State Finance Commission), PDS (public distribution system), and OAP (old age pension) by forging the signature of the sarpanch," said vigilance SP (Berhampur), Pradeep Kumar Pradhan.
He said Nayak misappropriated the govt funds from Aug last year to Feb this year. He joined govt service in July last year. "Since the beginning of his career, he began misappropriating govt funds," said the SP.
He allegedly withdrew govt money from two bank branches at Digapahandi through cheques by forging the signature of the sarpanch, sources said. He allegedly used the govt funds for betting on "cricket and gaming apps", the SP said after a preliminary inquiry. He lost all the money in betting, he added.
"During enquiry, the sarpanch also said the money was withdrawn without his knowledge and by forging his signature," Pradhan said.
"After getting information, we started an inquiry and arrested the accused," said the SP. "A case was registered against Nayak under different sections of the BNS and Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act. Further inquiry was going on," he added.