Finance dept unearths ₹19cr embezzlement in local bodies

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab finance department has unearthed a ₹19 crore embezzlement of public funds. The financial irregularity was detected during the audit of local funds, public and quasi public bodies for the financial year 2017-18. “Any official or employee found involved in such malpractices will be dealt with severely,” an official spokesman said. Irregularities of ₹19 crore were detected by the audit wing of the finance department in the Improvement Trust, Amritsar; municipal corporation, Moga; municipal council, Rampura Phul; municipal council, Begowal; nagar panchayat, Mehatpur; municipal council, Raikot; nagar panchayat, Chauke (Bathinda); municipal council, Anandpur Sahib and several other gram panchayats.