The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the Malda relief corruption case by the Calcutta High Court. The High Court asked the CAG to submit its inquiry report by 14 February.
Heavy rains in 2016 had flooded parts of Malda and Murshidabad districts in Bengal. Village after village was washed away. The state government had allocated relief money for the displaced people. But later, it was found that allegedly the real victims did not get the money allocated. The victims of Borui gram panchayat area did not get the money which was allegedly embezzled. The name of the head of Borui gram panchayat had emerged and a case was filed in the court. The High Court directed an inquiry. According to administrative sources, many of the victims did not get the money though their names were on the list. After investigation, the administration came to know that though the names of the victims were there, money was withdrawn with another account number next to their names.
The case was pending in the High Court. Finally, on Monday, the court directed the CAG to conduct an inquiry. The Centre will also cooperate in the investigation on behalf of the state. This investigation will proceed under their supervision. The CAG will submit its report by 14 February. The state had allocated Rs 60,000 for each affected family after the 2016 floods. However, the victims did not receive the money and that is why the Calcutta High Court gave the order on Monday.
Earlier in September, a man was severely beaten in the Chopalmor area of Boroi village panchayat in Malda’s Harishchandrapur-1 block for embezzling the relief money. The man’s wife, Kunalkanti Das, is said to be a member of the panchayat. The accused had gone into hiding for a long time. As soon as he returned to the village, he villagers vented their anger on him. He was openly slapped and punched, and the mob beat him up in front of the police. Attempts were made to “snatch” the accused from the hands of the police.
