KORAPUT: A former Block Development Officer (BDO) of Narayanpatna has been accused of swindling `32 lakh, meant for implementation of eight Government projects, with the help of his subordinates in 2013. The fraud came to light following a series of Vigilance raids in the block on Friday.
The errant officer, RC Sahu, had asked his six subordinate staff to draw money meant for eight projects in different villages through cheques. The staff handed him the money without asking the purpose of cash withdrawal in January, 2013. The matter did not come to notice of the district administration.
Last year, a petition was filed by a person before the Vigilance department alleging misappropriation of funds meant for Government projects in the Maoist affected Narayanpatna block. During course of investigation, it was revealed that Sahu had spent the money for purchasing lottery tickets though he never won any lottery.
The Vigilance sleuths raided the Narayanpatna block office and seized cash records and other document.
A case has been registered against all the seven block officials and efforts are on to nab the accused BDO who is absconding since last year.