Vigilance Arrests Ex-PACS Secretary for Siphoning Rs 22.19 Lakh in Balangir

Odisha Vigilance arrested Mausam Behera, the former secretary of Sunamudi Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) and Tamia PACS under the Patnagarh Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) Circle in Balangir district, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, following a detailed investigation into financial irregularities. The arrest was conducted by the Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station, which registered Case No. 11 dated 05.08.2026 against Behera under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Behera has been accused of misappropriating a total of Rs 22,19,636 during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. According to vigilance officials, he allegedly falsified records by showing refunds of Amanat (deposit) money that never actually occurred and diverted proceeds from fertiliser sales into personal accounts instead of depositing them into the Cash Credit (C.C.) fertiliser loan accounts of the two societies under his charge.

Following his arrest, Behera was produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir, and remanded to judicial custody. Vigilance officials stated that the action is part of a broader, ongoing crackdown on financial mismanagement and corruption plaguing cooperative societies across Odisha, particularly those serving agricultural communities.

"This arrest underscores our commitment to rooting out misuse of public funds in institutions meant to support farmers," said a senior vigilance officer, requesting anonymity as per protocol. "We are systematically reviewing transactions in PACS units across Balangir and adjoining districts to prevent further losses."

The investigation remains active, with vigilance teams examining additional ledgers, bank statements, and sales records from fertiliser distributors to trace the full flow of diverted funds. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests or the involvement of other individuals in the network.

Local farmers and members of the affected PACS societies expressed shock and concern over the breach of trust. "We depend on these societies for timely access to fertilisers and credit," said a farmer from Sunamudi village. "If funds are siphoned off, it directly impacts our ability to cultivate and sustain livelihoods."

The case has drawn attention to systemic vulnerabilities in the oversight of cooperative financial systems, prompting calls for stronger internal audits and digital tracking mechanisms. Vigilance officials confirmed that similar audits are being initiated in other ARCS circles across the state as a preventive measure.

As of now, Behera remains in judicial custody, and the trial is expected to commence in the coming weeks under the supervision of the Special Vigilance Court, Balangir.