Tarn Taran: Ex-sarpanch among three booked for embezzlement of RS 10.53L grant
Tarn Taran, August 30
A case of embezzlement of funds amounting to Rs 10.53 lakh sanctioned as grant for development works of Sohal Thathi gram panchayat during the past five years has been unearthed.
Besides former sarpanch Jagjit Singh, two block secretaries, identified as Paramjit Singh and Partap Singh, have been named as suspects in the case. The matter was unearthed when a complaint was filed with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandeep Kumar by one Sakattar Singh, a resident of Sohal Thathi village. The DC ordered the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The DDPO's report held former sarpanch Jagjit Singh responsible and block secretaries Paramjit Singh and Partap Singh as suspects in the case. The report stated that the trio connived to embezzle the amount meant for village development works.
The DDPO said the suspects embezzled grants during the period between March 2, 2019, and December 11, 2023. The block secretaries had already been transferred to Ajnala block in Amritsar district.
On the basis of the inquiry report, former sarpanch and block secretaries were booked under Sections 420, 409 and 120-B of the BNS. The suspects were absconding, said Sub-Inspector Dilbag Singh, who is investigating the case.
