Berhampur: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), Khetramohan Nayak was arrested in Ganjam district by the personnel of Odisha Vigilance for misappropriating over Rs 43 lakh public money and using it for online cricket betting and on other gaming platforms.Khetramohan was posted as the PEO at Radhadeipur Panchayat under Sanakhemundi Block in Ganjam district. He has allegedly embezzled public money worth Rs 43,01,640 from CFC, SFC, PDS and OAP accounts of the concerned panchayat. He forged the signature of Sarpanch on cheques to withdraw the money illegally from accounts of the panchayat in Axis Bank and Canara Bank branches in Digapahandi.

Investigation has revealed that he used the misappropriated government funds for betting on cricket and gaming applications.

The Berhampur Vigilance has registered a case against the erring PEO under sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a) P.C. Act, 1988 as amended by PC (Amendment) Act,  2018/316(5)/336(3)/338/340(2) BNS.