26 Lakh Fund Embezzlement in Panchayat

Eluru: Diversion of funds to the tune of Rs 26 lakh, allegedly by Sarpanch and two former panchayat secretaries, came to light in Sanivarapupeta.

A team of officials, which probed the misappropriation of funds reportedly confirmed that Sarpanch K Lurdhamma along with ex-secretaries G Balakrishna and N Ravi was responsible for the funds diversion. 

During the course of probe, it was observed that funds to the tune of Rs 3.88 lakh were siphoned by the trio in receipts.They wrongly showed funds collected on account of permissions to buildings and issue of tap connections to corner the funds. 

While a total Rs 4.98 lakh were collected, they deposited a sum of Rs 1 lakh by producing wrong receipts. With regard to payments, they entered huge sums of money though actual spending was meager. 

This way, they cornered Rs 26.82 lakh, the officials reportedly confirmed. During 2015-16, they purchased electrical material for higher than specified limits and swindled.