Bhubaneswar, June 3 -- A major financial irregularity has come to light in Odisha's Ganjam district, where funds meant for social welfare pensions and developmental works were allegedly misappropriated in Hinjili block, officials said on Tuesday.

According to allegations, nearly Rs 12.30 lakh was siphoned off from government funds allocated for pension disbursement and various development projects in Darubhadra Gram Panchayat. The alleged embezzlement pertains to money earmarked for welfare schemes and local infrastructure development, raising concerns over the misuse of public funds intended for beneficiaries.

Following an investigation into the alleged financial misappropriation, police arrested Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) Trilo...