Vigilance arrests businessman in govt grant misappropriation case

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested an absconding an Amloh businessman for his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of Rs 40,85,175 worth of government grant money.

He was allegedly wanted in a case related to the misappropriation of funds meant for the Amloh block and various gram panchayats in collusion with the then Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO). The official has been identified as Kulwinder Singh Randhawa.

An official spokesperson said in the case an FIR No. 37 was registered on August 9, 2024, at the VB Police Station, Patiala Range, under Sections 409 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case involves five accused, including Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, who now works as a District Development and Panchayats Officer (DDPO), who were charged with illegally diverting government funds to private firms and individuals.

The spokesperson added that two accused, Kulwinder Singh Randhawa and Hanspal, have already been arrested.

He further said that the Bureau is actively pursuing the remaining accused and would be arrested soon.