ACB investigates payments released for non-existent works

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, November 21

A team of state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday seized records from the office of the BDO, Kotranka, in Rajouri district after an alleged complaint of payments released for non-existent works executed under the Rural Development Department.

Sources said the ACB team along with officials concerned and members of panchayats today checked many works in Jamola village, including tractor roads, pucca paths, renovation of traditional water bodies, etc.

Most of the works claimed executed under the Rural Development Department belongs to financial year of 2016-17 and 2017-2018 when Noor Alam was the Assistant Commissioner, Development (ACD).

“Most of the records demanded by the ACB team related to works executed in Jamola, Khah and other areas under MGNREGA were handed over to it on Wednesday and remaining will be provided shortly,” said Salam Din, Block Development Officer (BDO).

An unidentified person had approached the ACB alleging that a huge amount had been withdrawn during 2016-17 and 2017-2018 without execution of works on ground.

Accordingly, the ACB has started investigation and reached Kotranka for on the spot verification of records and the works shown as executed.

“As the ACB team is investigating the matter it is not feasible to comment at this time. However, the department is cooperating with the team in investigation,” said Sushil Khajuria, ADC.

Salam Din, BDO, Kotranka, said the ACB team was rushed to Jamola village today for on the spot verification of the works for which the complaint was lodged.