DC marks inquiry into pension fund fraud

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 18

Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra today marked an inquiry into the allegations leveled against a sarpanch of Tarkhanwal village in a case of alleged embezzlement of pension fund.

The Deputy Commissioner has rejected the first inquiry report submitted in the case.

Bhupinder Singh, a resident of Tarkhanwala village, had submitted a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner.

Today, Bhupinder Singh, addressing mediapersons, alleged that the administration had approved the pension of his mother Inderjeet Kaur in 2010 but it was stopped in 2014 without any reason.

He alleged that sarpanch Jagdev Singh had embezzled the pension fund of his mother.

Thereafter, he contacted the Social Welfare Department in Bathinda. He said he came to know that the sarpanch had done the same with four other beneficiaries.

Bhupinder Singh also alleged that the sarpanch had also withdrawn pensions of residents who had passed away with the help of fake thumb impressions.

He said the department had taken back money from sarpanch Jagdev Singh but had not taken any action against him. He demanded legal action against the sarpanch.

Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra said, “We have marked an inquiry into the matter again after rejecting the first inquiry report. Action will be taken if anyone was found guilty.” 

Sarpanch Jagdev Singh refuted the allegations against him. He said Bhupinder Singh had lodged a complaint against him with the director of the department, who had given a report in his favour. He said he was ready for any inquiry.