Phulbani, Aug 14: Panchanana Kanhar, Ex-Head Master of a UGME School, has been handed a four-year prison sentence by a Special Vigilance Court, Phulbani, Wednesday after being convicted for misappropriation of government money.

Kanhar, Ex-Head Master-cum-VEC Secretary, Talmalkha Project Primary School, A/p-I/c Head Master Siletpada UGME School, Boudh, was charge sheeted by Odisha Vigilance. 

Kanhar has also been fined Rs 10,000 and his 4-year prison term will be extended to 4-and-a half years if the fined amount isn't being deposited.

Reportedly, the school was allotted Rs 5,80,000 in two fiscal years -- 2008-09 & 2009-10 -- for the school's infrastructure development. However, Kanhar used Rs 2,92,553 from the allotted amount for personal benefits. 

"The Berhampur Vigilance Dept had registered a case in this regard. And the Phulbani Special Vigilance Court convicted Kanhar for the embezzlement," said VV Ramdas, a Govt advocate at the court, while briefing about the case to media persons. 

Odisha Vigilance also issued a statement on their X handle in this regard. "Sri Panchanana Kanhar, Ex-Head Master-cum-VEC Secretary, Talmalkha Project Primary School, A/p-I/c Head Master Siletpada U.G.M.E. School, Boudh, who was charge sheeted by #Odisha #Vigilance for misappropriation of govt. money, was convicted to 4 yrs prison & sent to jail," wrote the Vigilance Dept, adding: "Odisha Vigilance will now move the competent authority for dismissal of Sri Panchanana Kanhar from service following his conviction."

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