The Odisha Vigilance has arrested Junior Engineer (JE) Ratnesh Kumar Pandey of Pattamundai block, Kendrapara district, for alleged misappropriation of government funds.
The JE is accused of transferring ₹9 lakh 70 thousand meant for development work directly into his personal bank account. The fraudulent activity was uncovered during an investigation into a street light installation scam in Pattamundai during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Vigilance officers found that Pandey misused Gram Panchayat development funds and transferred the amount to his SBI account in Pipili.
A case (Cuttack Vigilance PS Case No. 35/2025) has been registered against Pandey under sections including the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC. The arrested JE Ratnesh Kumar Pandey has been produced before the Cuttack Vigilance Court as the investigation continues to uncover further evidence of misuse.