Suspended BDPO had role in ₹57-lakh fund scam, finds probe
MOGA: An ongoing inquiry into the grant scam, in which the Dhurkot village sarpanch in connivance with the panchayat secretary allegedly siphoned off ₹57.6 lakh, has also indicted suspended block development and panchayat officer (BDPO) Jaspreet Singh for his role.
The official is under suspension for embezzlement in another panchayat.
The probe into Dhurkot panchayat funds is being conducted by the district development and panchayat officer (DDPO) and slated to complete soon.
Last year, the village under Moga block-1 received ₹71 lakh grant from the government as compensation for acquisition of village common land for four-laning of the Jalandhar-Barnala road (National Highway-71).
Of ₹71 lakh , ₹57.6 lakh was withdrawn between January 1 and March 31 this year from the panchayat account and was shown as spent on development works in the village. But not a single penny was spent on any development work from this money. Additional deputy commissioner (ADC development) Rishipal had marked the probe to the DDPO after HT on May 6 had highlighted how sarpanch Sarabjit Kaur and panchayat secretary Karam Singh embezzled the money.
WHY BDPO IS UNDER SUSPENSION
BDPO Jaspreet Singh was suspended on March 22 this year, after HT highlighted embezzlement of ₹26.6 lakh at Ramuwala Kalan village panchayat in the same block. The rural development and panchayat department had also suspended Moga-1 panchayat secretary Rajwant Singh and directed retired IAS officer RC Nayyar to hold a probe into the matter. Both the scams were committed when the model code of conduct was in force. During this period, no one can withdraw money for development purpose.
DDPO Ravinderpal Singh said, “Cheques and other documents bear the signatures of Jaspreet. It shows the money was withdrawn from the bank account with his consent.”
EMBEZZLEMENT FIGURE COULD GO UP
Officials said the embezzled amount could be higher as the panchayat has two more accounts with HDFC Bank and Bank of India. ₹57.6 lakh was siphoned off from the Axis Bank account only.