Vigilance probe ordered in Rs 35 lakh fraud case against Panchayat Pradhan

A financial scam has come to light in Rampur Bharapur village, under Paonta Sahib development block and Nahan Assembly constituency in Sirmaur district. Allegations have surfaced that the Panchayat Pradhan, in collusion with a contractor and other accomplices, embezzled nearly Rs 35 lakh from government funds using fake bills and fraudulent mining “X” and “M” forms during the financial year 2024-25.

The case came to light when the village’s Up-Pradhan, Rajneesh Chaudhary, filed a Right to Information (RTI) request to gather evidence and subsequently approached the High Court with substantial documentation. Acting on the complaint submitted to the Chief Justice, the HC ordered a vigilance probe, which is now underway. Rajneesh Chaudhary has already presented all documentary evidence to the investigating officer at the Vigilance Office in Nahan.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Up-Pradhan Rajneesh Chaudhary, along with former ward members Shishpal and Suresh Kumar, revealed the details of the scam. According to them, the Panchayat Pradhan and associates conspired to siphon government funds. Evidence shows that just two motorcycles transported 270 quintals of sand, gravel and cement from Paonta Sahib to Rampur Bharapur over four trips. Shockingly, this 42-km round trip was reportedly completed in only 10 minutes, as recorded in the fraudulent mining “X” forms.

In addition, a four-wheeler pickup allegedly carried 2,170 kg of material — over twice its certified capacity of 945 kg — flouting Regional Transport Office (RTO) regulations. The fraud extended further, as payments for the same work were made to the contractor twice, and discrepancies were found in the series of mining “X” forms. Even the mobile numbers of the vehicle owners and drivers, Kamal and Manu, were found invalid, exposing the organised conspiracy behind the scam.

Up-Pradhan Rajneesh Chaudhary appealed to the government and administration through the media to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. He urged that immediate action be taken against the corrupt Panchayat Pradhan, the contractor and their accomplices to hold them accountable for the embezzlement.