Nuapada, Feb. 22 -- On charges of misappropriating Government funds of Rs.7,20,981, a Panchayat Executive Officer and brother were held today.

The Odisha Vigilance arrested Satybrata Baral, PEO of Ghuchaguda gram panchayat under Sinapali block in Nuapada district and brother Uttam Baral for the embezzlement. They carried out the misappropriation of CFC and SFC funds in conspiracy with Bijaylaxmi Baral, Sarapanch of Kureswar Gram Panchayat and Barun Das, PEO of Kureswar gram panchayat.

Vigilance official sources said per the investigation, the accused misappropriated the entire funds without executing the works in Kureswar gram panchayat. The funds were meant for installment of high mast light, repair and maintenance of street lights, su...