Probe initiated graft complaint against 12 gram panchayats in Chamba’s Mehla block

The Chamba district administration has launched a comprehensive probe into alleged irregularities in the purchase and installation of interlock tiles across 12 gram panchayats under Mehla development block. The inquiry follows a complaint raising suspicions of malpractice and negligence in the execution of works.

According to officials, the probe began on September 22 with the Dhimla gram panchayat, where representatives and staff were summoned to the BDO office in Mehla for detailed questioning. The investigation will proceed sequentially in other panchayats, with the aim of completing assessments by October 6. The administration intends to compile a full report after examining records and on-ground utilisation.

The state government had sanctioned crores of rupees to strengthen and beautify rural pathways with interlock tiles. However, the complaint alleged that in Dhimla, Rari, Gagla, Guraad, Keeri, Kuned, Koonr, Lech, Preena, Tapoon, Bakhtpur and Chhatrari panchayats, worth nearly Rs 1.5 crore, funds may not have been used properly. Allegations include negligence by representatives and possible financial irregularities.

Chamba Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Amit Mehra said complaints had been received against all 12 panchayats. Only after the inquiry is completed can a final comment be made. The administration is committed to conducting the probe in a fair and transparent manner, he said.

This action comes close on the heels of the district administration’s recent dissolution of Sanwal Panchayat in Churah subdivision, where an apple plantation procurement scam amounting to Rs 1.17 crore was unearthed. Officials suggest the administration is adopting a strict stance against corruption and misuse of development funds in rural bodies.

In that case, Rs 88 lakh was withdrawn on the basis of forged bills for the supply of 48,500 apple saplings. However, ground checks showed that the plantation work was never carried out. The same panchayat is also involved in two other scams involving amount running into crores.