In a startling development, Anath Pal, the Panchayat Secretary of Paschim Kalabaria Panchayat in Belonia sub-division, South District, Tripura, is facing temporary suspension over allegations of embezzling Rs. 9,75,000 in the last three years.
The corruption scandal has sent shockwaves through Bharat Chandra Nagar block, prompting the District Magistrate of South District to order Anath Pal’s dismissal.
The corruption allegations surfaced when residents of West Kalabaria Panchayat reported irregularities and financial mismanagement, especially in the construction of drinking water sources. In response, Bharatchandra Nagar Panchayat Samiti Chairman Putul Pal Biswas, alongside Block Development Officer Kaberi Nath and Additional BDO Sudip Kar, conducted a thorough inspection.
To their dismay, no signs of construction for several drinking water sources were found during the visit. Suspicions heightened as an examination of the panchayat’s registers and expenditure accounts revealed discrepancies in various vouchers related to the purported water source development projects.
Following this discovery, an inquiry committee was swiftly formed under the guidance of the Block Development Officer. The committee’s investigation uncovered a substantial misappropriation of Rs. 9,75,000, with no evidence of the actual implementation of water source projects.
In response to the findings, Panchayat Secretary Anath Pal received a show cause notice. The response provided was deemed unsatisfactory by the BDO, prompting the officer to escalate the matter.
A written communication was sent to the South District Magistrate, detailing the corruption incident and urging further action. The District Magistrate responded by ordering Anath Pal’s temporary suspension pending a detailed investigation.