Former Kalla PACS Secretary Arrested in Deogarh Fertilizer Subsidy Scam
Former Kalla PACS secretary Sripati Pradhan arrested for alleged ₹16.72 lakh fertilizer subsidy fraud, produced before Sambalpur Vigilance Court.
Former Kalla PACS secretary was arrested over an alleged misappropriation of government funds linked to the fertilizer subsidy scheme. He was produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Sambalpur as the investigation continues. Vigilance officials allege that the financial irregularities, pertaining to the 2024‑25 financial year, involved manipulation of registers, ledger entries, inventory books and stock records to conceal money from the unauthorized transfer and sale of fertilizer meant for local farmers.
What are the allegations against the former PACS secretary?
According to the Vigilance investigation, the alleged fraud concerns fertilizer intended for distribution to farmers. Investigators claim that Sripati Pradhan, the former cooperative secretary of Kalla PACS, manipulated official registers, ledger entries, inventory books and stock records to hide the proceeds from the unauthorized sale of the subsidized fertilizer. The alleged manipulation enabled the misappropriation of government subsidy funds amounting to ₹16.72 lakh during the 2024‑25 financial year. The case, referred to as the Deogarh PACS scam, has come under Vigilance scrutiny after his arrest, raising questions over the handling of fertilizer subsidy funds at the PACS level.
How did the Vigilance investigation uncover the alleged fraud?
The former secretary was produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Sambalpur as the investigation continues. Vigilance investigators reportedly found alleged manipulation of registers, ledger entries, inventory books and stock records to conceal money linked to the unauthorized transfer and sale of fertilizer. This discovery formed the basis of the allegations against Sripati Pradhan and prompted further scrutiny of the fertilizer subsidy scheme’s implementation at the grassroots level in Odisha.
What happens next in the case?
He remains in judicial custody pending further hearings before the Special Vigilance Court. The Vigilance department probes the extent of the alleged fraud and whether other officials at Kalla PACS or nearby cooperatives are involved. The case has drawn attention to the oversight of fertilizer subsidy funds at the grassroots level in Odisha. For the latest developments, viewers can watch the full report on Kanak News, Odisha's leading 24x7 news and current affairs TV channel from Eastern Media Limited. Updates are also available via Kanak News’ website, social media platforms, and mobile app.
Who was arrested in the Deogarh PACS scam?
Former Kalla PACS secretary Sripati Pradhan was arrested.
What amount of money is alleged to have been misappropriated in the Deogarh PACS case?
Approximately ₹16.72 lakh of government funds linked to the fertilizer subsidy scheme.
In which year did the alleged financial irregularities occur according to the Vigilance investigation?
The alleged irregularities pertain to the 2024‑25 financial year.
Where was the arrested secretary produced after his arrest?
He was produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Sambalpur.
What specific records did Vigilance investigators allege were manipulated to conceal the fraud?
Registers, ledger entries, inventory books and stock records were allegedly manipulated.
What was the intended beneficiary of the fertilizer involved in the alleged scam?
The fertilizer was intended for local farmers in Deogarh district.
What action has the Vigilance department taken following the arrest?
The Vigilance department continues to investigate the extent of the alleged fraud and whether other officials are involved.
Why has the case raised concerns about fertilizer subsidy funds?
The case highlights potential weaknesses in the handling and oversight of fertilizer subsidy funds at the PACS level.
What is the current status of Sripati Pradhan after his arrest?
He remains in judicial custody pending further hearings before the Special Vigilance Court.
Which district is Kalla PACS located in?
Kalla PACS is located in Deogarh district, Odisha.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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