Two Panipat Panchayat officials arrested for embezzling funds

Two officials from the Haryana Panchayat and Development Department have been apprehended for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that saw ₹84.49 lakh siphoned from the department's account in Panipat, aided by a contractor. This incident came to light in May 2021 when Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Neeraj and Sanjay, residents of Atwala village, had embezzled funds by forging signatures.

Accused and Modus Operandi

The arrested individuals have been identified as accountant Suresh Lathar and section officer Harish Kumar, who were taken into custody recently. Previously, in January of the previous year, Neeraj Kumar and Sanjay from Atawala village were also arrested in connection with the case.

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During the course of the investigation, it was uncovered that Neeraj, who owned a construction firm registered under his father's name, had collaborated with Suresh and Harish to divert the money into his father's company account. Subsequently, Neeraj withdrew the money and returned it in cash to Suresh and Harish, who paid him an 8% commission for their involvement.

Legal proceedings

The misappropriated funds have been successfully recovered, and the accused individuals have been remanded into judicial custody by the district court. Additionally, it was revealed that the culprits had forged the executive engineer's signatures on cheques as part of their scheme to transfer the embezzled funds.

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This case underscores the importance of vigilance in financial matters, as even government departments are not immune to fraudulent activities. The swift actions of the police have ensured that the funds were returned, and those responsible face legal consequences for their actions.