Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: A special vigilance court in Bhawanipatna sentenced a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) to four years of simple imprisonment in a government funds misappropriation case in Kalahandi district.

Girish Chandra Sabar, currently serving as PEO of Chahaka Gram Panchayat under Golamunda block, was convicted on Friday. He had earlier served as PEO of Sirol and Gokuleswar Gram Panchayats under Kesinga block in Kalahandi district.

Odisha Vigilance had charge-sheeted Sabar under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, along with Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case involved the misappropriation of government funds allocated for old age pension beneficiaries of Sirol and Gokuleswar Gram Panchayats.

After hearing the case, the Special Vigilance Judge, Bhawanipatna found Sabar guilty and sentenced him to four years of simple imprisonment along with a fine.

Following the court's verdict, Sabar was taken into judicial custody to serve his sentence.

Meanwhile, Odisha Vigilance has decided to approach the competent authority to initiate the process for his dismissal from government service in the wake of his conviction.