Payments diverted to bank accounts of panchayat representatives, their relatives
Chamba (Subhash Mahajan)
A shocking case has emerged in Sanwal panchayat of Tisa subdivision in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh where a single mule was allegedly used to transport sand and gravel worth a mammoth Rs 1.53 crore.
Investigations have revealed that the vendor, despite receiving such a substantial sum from government accounts, was still listed under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Police receive complaints of financial irregularities
The payments, initially allocated for transportation services, were later allegedly transferred to the bank accounts of panchayat representatives and their relatives through cheques and other means.
The police in Tisa had received complaints about large-scale financial irregularities in Sanwal panchayat under the guise of vendor payments.
After registering the case and starting an inquiry, shocking revelations have come to light. The fact that a BPL family member’s account witnessed transactions amounting to Rs 1.53 crore has raised serious concerns.
Mule owner belongs to BPL category
The authorities are now investigating why the vendor redirected such a massive sum to the accounts of panchayat representatives. The truth would only be revealed after a thorough probe, said an official.
Vendors are typically engaged to facilitate the transportation of goods in the panchayat and in this case, a mule vendor was appointed for the task.
Several transportation bills were raised under his name, leading to government disbursements worth lakhs. However, once the bills were settled, the amount was subsequently transferred from the vendor’s account to those of the panchayat representatives.
This has led to pressing questions regarding the financial transactions, especially as calculations indicate that Rs 1.53 crore was released from the vendor’s account. Authorities are now focused on unravelling the extent of this financial malpractice and holding those responsible accountable.
