BDPO, 4 others suspended for embezzlement of Rs 23.85 lakh in Israna constituency

Following the directive of Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, five officials -- a block development and panchayat officer (BDPO), an accountant, an assistant and two junior engineers (JEs) -- have been suspended for an alleged scam in installation of steel benches, handpumps, water cooler in the Israna Assembly constituency.

Following the directions, the Director, Panchayat Department, on Thursday suspended all five officials.

Panwar said Harpal Malik, Chairman, Block Samiti, Israna, submitted a complaint to him alleging irregularities in the development works, prompting him to order an inquiry into the matter.

The inquiry brought to fore irregularities in the installation of steel benches, handpumps and water coolers in various villages of Israna. The minister said the scam was suspected to be the tune of Rs 3-4 crore which would be further probed.

Panwar said the accused employees -- BDPO Vivek Kumar, JE Brahamdutt and Vinod, Assistant Satpal and accountant Dinesh - had admitted to an embezzlement of Rs 23.85 lakh and they also asked some person to fulfill the equipment of Rs 23 crore. He said he had also brought the matter to the knowledge of Deputy Commissioner Virender Kumar Dahiya, who has been directed to deposit the recovery amount of Rs 23 lakh through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zila Parishad.

The minister said the government had zero tolerance to corruption and if any official was found to be indulging in corrupt practices, strict action would be initiated accordingly.