Sambalpur: PEO of Jhankarpali GP arrested by Odisha vigilance

Sambalpur: Tightening the noose across the neck of corrupt officers Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday arrested the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Jhankarpali Gram Panchayat in Jujumara Block of Sambalpur district on the allegation of possession of disproportionate property.
The accused has been recognized as Achyutananda Khuntia.
As per reviews, on the allegation of possession of property disproportionate to the identified sources of earnings by Achyutananda Khuntia, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), Jhankarpali Gram Panchayat, Jujumura Block, Dist-Sambalpur, simultaneous home searches have been performed at 4 locations yesterday by 4 groups of Odisha Vigilance led by 2 DSsP, 3 Inspectors, 2 ASIs and different employees on the power of Search Warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur.
During the home search a double storeyed constructing at Maulibandhapada, Kuchinda, Dist: Sambalpur, 1 single ACC sheet constructing at Subarnapali, Dist-Sambalpur, 3 nos of stall at Subarnapali, Dist-Sambalpur, 2 nos of plots at Kuchinda and Sankarma in Sambalpur district, 1 two wheeler, Insurance deposits over Rs.10.43 Lakh, Bank deposits over Rs.1.15 Lakh and different movable and immovable properties, all totalling to over Rs 1.12 Crore have been unearthed.
After thorough search, stock and additional enquiry, the earnings, expenditure and property of Achyutananda Khuntia, PEO have been calculated and he was present in possession of property disproportionate to the identified sources of earnings to the tune of 215% of his identified sources of earnings for which he couldn’t account for satisfactorily.
Accordingly, Sambalpur Vigilance P.S. Case No.44 dt.6.12.2021 was registered towards Achyutananda Khuntia and his partner U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(b)/12 Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act-2018.
In course of investigation Khuntia, PEO was arrested and forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur. The Court has remanded him to judicial custody until 18.12.2021. Investigation of the case is in progress.
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