Balasore, July 2: A Jan Seva Kendra operator has been accused of allegedly embezzling Rs2 lakh from the Rs3 lakh insurance compensation sanctioned for the family of a deceased construction worker in Odisha’s Balasore district. The victim’s family has lodged a written complaint at the Chandaneswar police outpost, seeking action against the accused.The deceased, identified as Sanjay Kumar Mandal of Kukudia village under Bhograi block, was a construction worker who died on March 11, 2025. Following his death, his wife, Kanakalata, became eligible for Rs3 lakh under the labour welfare insurance scheme.According to the complaint, Janmejaya Panda, who operates a Jan Seva Kendra at Kukudia village square, approached the bereaved family, assuring them that he would facilitate the insurance claim. Believing his assurances, Kanakalata handed over all the necessary documents.The accused allegedly assisted in opening a savings account and obtaining a cheque book at the Punjab National Bank branch in Chandaneswar, stating that the insurance amount would be credited to the account. However, he reportedly retained possession of both the passbook and cheque book after they were issued.On May 2, the government credited Rs3 lakh to Kanakalata’s bank account. Police complaint alleges that Janmejaya forged her signature on a cheque and withdrew Rs2 lakh from the account without her knowledge.The alleged fraud came to light when Kanakalata recently visited the bank to verify her account balance and discovered the unauthorized withdrawal. She subsequently recovered the passbook and cheque book from the accused and filed a written complaint with the Chandaneswar police outpost.
Jan Seva Kendra operator accused of embezzling Rs2 lakh insurance compensation
