ASST LABOUR COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE STAFF UNDER LENS

MOGA: Some employees at the office of the assistant labour commissioner in Moga, including an inspector and clerks besides a former assistant labour commissioner, have come under the scanner in a case of embezzlement of welfare funds.

Funds to the tune of Rs 25.9 lakh were withdrawn from the labour department’s account at a State Bank of India (SBI) branch by using stolen cheques and forged signature of the assistant labour commissioner, it is learnt. The money was meant to be disbursed among labourers under the department’s various welfare schemes.

A case was registered at the Moga city police station on Wednesday against Rajwinder Singh, a peon, and five alleged fake beneficiaries on whose accounts the money was transferred. The other accused were identified as Mangal Singh of Basti Gobindgarh, Karamjeet Singh of Golowala village, Malkeet Singh of Badala Bhogewala village, Kuldeep Singh of Jidrha village in Moga district and Sukhjeet Singh of Lalle village in Ferozepur.

The police say the names of other officials also emerged during the investigation. Rajwinder is learnt to have named a labour inspector, who was allegedly giving him money after withdrawing from the bank.

Deputy superintendent of police (criminal intelligence) Inderpal Singh conducted an inquiry into the alleged embezzlement and then directed the city police station in-charge to register a case and take legal action against the culprits.

The report says the embezzlement started in January 2018.

DSP Inderpal said, “The role of the officials and other members of staff will be investigated. The FIR was registered on basis of the preliminary investigation and now focus will be on those who in connivance with Rajwinder Singh executed the scam.”