Poonch: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case against former Block Development Officer (BDO) in Mendhar and other officials of the Rural Development Department (RDD), for alleged misappropriation of funds.
According to ACB, the case was initiated following a Joint Surprise Check conducted based on a written complaint against the Block Development Officer Mendhar and others from Panchayat Halqa Galhuta Kangra, Block Mendhar, District Poonch.
The complaint alleged misappropriation of funds for unexecuted works by creating false vouchers and records.
“An investigation into works executed under MGNREGA by the RDD for the financial years 2018-19 in Panchayat Halqa Galhuta Kangra, Block Mendhar, District Poonch revealed that RDD officials misused their official positions and conspired with beneficiaries, released excess labour payments amounting to Rs 5,036 and Rs 1,11,005 respectively for the work.
“Construction of P/work, R/wall, C/wall at Mohalla Shabab” and “Construction of Tile work near H/O Irfan Ali Ward No. 10.” Further enquiries revealed that the officials also released payments amounting to Rs 67,704 for non-existent work, specifically “Construction of tile work at W. No. 2.” These payments were released by the then BDO without the submission of muster sheets or attendance registers by field officials,” ACB added.
