Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday arrested Junior Engineer Ratnesh Kumar Pandey for allegedly misappropriating government funds meant for developmental works. Pandey is accused of diverting funds allocated for the “Electrification Project of Street Lights” in Pattamundai block, Kendrapara district, during the 2023-24 financial year.
According to Vigilance sources, Pandey misused Gram Panchayat Developmental Funds, transferring Rs 9.70 lakh to his personal bank account in Pipili. Investigators are continuing to examine whether additional funds were also misappropriated.
A case has been registered against Pandey under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. At the time of his arrest, he was serving as a Junior Engineer in Pattamundai block. Pandey will be forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack for further proceedings.
