Berhampur, Feb 7: A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) was admitted to the ICU at MKCG Hospital on Thursday night after reportedly consuming poison, following a serious allegation of sexual misconduct.

The complaint was lodged by a woman Additional Tehsildar, who alleged that the PEO behaved inappropriately toward her during the inauguration of the Sunapur Belabhumi festival on February 3, where she was overseeing the event. She filed a written complaint at Golantara police station, and the case has been registered.

Following the complaint, the departmental Internal Complaints Committee instructed the Additional Sub-Collector to conduct an investigation, and authorities are collecting video footage of the incident.

The PEO reportedly consumed poison after being contacted by the police. His family admitted him to Berhampur General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition under ICU care. Senior officials are closely monitoring his health.