Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata has dismissed five sarpanches and suspended another on the charges of using forged documents to fight election and embezzling Rs 25 crore rural fund.
Women sarpanches of Salaka, Sirauli, Aandhaki and Badah villages had allegedly used fake educational certificates to contest panchayat elections. They all had submitted their 8th class educational documents issued from Prem Bal Junior High School, Laxmi Nagar, Mathura.
We have zero tolerance policy on corruption and fraud. We are looking into any complaint regarding panchayats seriously. —Dhirendra Khadgata, Nuh DC
Following a complaint, district authorities got in touch with UP educational authorities and documents were declared forged. The DC Nuh sent numerous show cause notices to them, but they did not respond or cooperate. They were also served a final warning before being dismissed.
Rozka Meo sarpanch Deen Mohammad was dismissed for his alleged involvement in embezzlement of Rs 25 crore panchayat funds, while woman sarpanch of Dungeja village was suspended for same charges.
Mohammad and other suspects allegedly embezzled the amount granted as compensation for acquisition of gram panchayat land in Indri Section. Over 20 acres in Rozka Meo village was acquired by Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation. Local residents lodged a case on CM window against Mohammad, Ramzan, Khatuni Begum among others.
Khadgata said: “We have zero tolerance policy for corruption and fraud. We gave chance to the accused to present their side. Majority did not join investigations. We are looking into any complaint regarding panchayats seriously.”
