AGARTALA: In a stunning turn of events, Anath Pal, the Panchayat Secretary of Paschim Kalabaria Panchayat in Belonia sub-division, South District, Tripura, is under the radar for alleged embezzlement totaling Rs. 9,75,000 over the past three years.
This corruption scandal has sent shockwaves through Bharat Chandra Nagar block, leading to the District Magistrate of South District ordering Anath Pal’s temporary suspension.
The allegations came to light when residents of West Kalabaria Panchayat reported irregularities and financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the construction of drinking water sources. In response, Bharatchandra Nagar Panchayat Samiti Chairman Putul Pal Biswas, accompanied by Block Development Officer Kaberi Nath and Additional BDO Sudip Kar, conducted a thorough inspection.
To their dismay, the visit revealed no signs of construction for several drinking water sources. Suspicions heightened as an examination of the panchayat’s registers and expenditure accounts unveiled discrepancies in various vouchers related to the supposed water source development projects.
In light of these findings, an inquiry committee was promptly constituted under the guidance of the Block Development Officer. The committee's investigation unearthed a significant misappropriation of Rs. 9,75,000, with no evidence of the actual implementation of water source projects.
Confronted with the evidence, Panchayat Secretary Anath Pal received a show cause notice. Unfortunately, the response provided was deemed unsatisfactory by the BDO, prompting the officer to escalate the matter.
A written communication detailing the corruption incident was forwarded to the South District Magistrate, urging further action. In response, the District Magistrate ordered Anath Pal’s temporary suspension pending a thorough investigation.
As the community grapples with the shock of this corruption scandal, the repercussions are likely to reverberate through the political landscape of Bharat Chandra Nagar block, prompting a critical examination of financial oversight mechanisms.
This development underscores the importance of vigilant citizens and proactive administrative bodies in safeguarding public funds, ensuring transparency, and maintaining the integrity of local governance structures.
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