In Nuapada, Satyabrata Baral and Uttam Baral have been arrested by the Vigilance Department on charges of misappropriating government funds. Satyabrata Baral, the Panchayat Executive Officer of Guchaguda Gram Panchayat in Sinapali Block, along with his brother Uttam Baral, was taken into custody by Vigilance officials.
During the 2024-25 financial year, funds from CFC and SFC financial grants were allocated for the installation of high-mast lights, streetlight maintenance, and the setup of gym equipment at Kureshwar Park in Kureshwar Gram Panchayat. However, an amount of ₹7,20,981 was allegedly misappropriated. The Vigilance Department discovered that this misappropriation took place with the knowledge of Sarpanch Bijay Lakshmi Baral.
Additionally, ₹4,20,000 meant for streetlight maintenance was deposited into the bank account of the Sarpanch’s son, who is also the brother of the Panchayat Executive Officer. Another ₹3,981 was transferred to the account of Kureshwar Gram Panchayat Executive Officer, Barun Baral. Allegedly, the entire family was involved in embezzling these government funds, leading to the arrest of the two brothers by the Vigilance Department.
