India, July 3 -- The Odisha Vigilance on Friday arrested two former Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) from Puri district for allegedly embezzling more than Rs 30.78 lakh meant for beneficiaries of the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).

The accused have been identified as Sulamani Jani, former PEO of Gadamrugsira and Jamarsuan Gram Panchayats under Sadar Block, currently attached to the Sadar Block Office, and Tuna Pradhan, former PEO of Sahupada Gram Panchayat under Kanas Block, who is presently attached to the Gop Block Office.

According to Odisha Vigilance, the two officials are involved in separate cases of alleged financial fraud in which government funds earmarked for elderly, disabled and destitute beneficiaries under the pensio...