Odisha Vigilance Arrests Ex-PACS Secretary for Rs 42.31 Lakh Paddy Scam
Odisha Vigilance arrested former Tusura PACS secretary Sanoj Kumar Mishra for allegedly misappropriating Rs 42.31 lakh in paddy procurement funds.
Odisha Vigilance arrested Sanoj Kumar Mishra, the former secretary of Tusura Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) in Bolangir district, on Monday for allegedly misappropriating government funds meant for paddy procurement during the 2014-15 Kharif Marketing Season.
'Mishra was responsible for procuring paddy from farmers and ensuring the procured stock was dispatched to designated rice mills for custom milling,' the Vigilance department said.
He served under Gudvela block and was produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir following his arrest.
What led to the arrest of the former PACS secretary?
Sanoj Kumar Mishra held the post of secretary at Tusura PACS under Gudvela block during the Kharif Marketing Season 2014-15. His duties included procuring paddy from farmers and ensuring delivery to designated rice mills. An investigation found that a substantial quantity of paddy procured using government funds was neither delivered to the tagged rice mills nor properly reflected in the society’s stock records. The discrepancies between physical stock and records resulted in the diversion of funds, causing a financial loss of Rs 42,31,608 to the cooperative society. 'The discrepancies between physical stock and records resulted in the diversion of funds, causing a financial loss of Rs 42,31,608 to the cooperative society,' the Vigilance said.
How much money was allegedly misappropriated?
The alleged misappropriation amounts to Rs 42.31 lakh, which is equivalent to Rs 42,31,608, representing the financial loss incurred by the Tusura PACS due to the diversion of paddy procurement funds.
What legal action has been taken?
A case has been registered at Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. 'Further investigation is underway,' the Vigilance department said.
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Who was arrested by Odisha Vigilance in Bolangir?
Sanoj Kumar Mishra, the former secretary of Tusura Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS), was arrested by Odisha Vigilance.
What position did the accused hold in Tusura PACS?
He served as the secretary of Tusura PACS under Gudvela block.
During which period did the alleged paddy procurement scam occur?
The alleged irregularities occurred during the Kharif Marketing Season 2014-15.
How much money was allegedly misappropriated in the scam?
The Vigilance department said the misappropriation amounted to Rs 42.31 lakh (Rs 42,31,608).
What was the accused's role in the paddy procurement process?
Mishra was responsible for procuring paddy from farmers and ensuring the procured stock was dispatched to designated rice mills for custom milling.
What did the investigation find regarding the paddy procured with government funds?
The investigation found that a substantial quantity of paddy procured using government funds was neither delivered to the tagged rice mills nor properly reflected in the society’s stock records.
What financial loss did the cooperative society suffer?
The discrepancies between physical stock and records resulted in a financial loss of Rs 42,31,608 to the cooperative society.
Under which legal sections was a case registered against the accused?
A case was registered under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the IPC.
Where was the case registered?
The case was registered at Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Vigilance department said further investigation is underway.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
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