TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The purchase of a photo copier by the village panchayat of Benauilm has come to haunt former Benaulim sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes.
Salcete Block Development Officer, M S Mardolkar has lodged a complaint with the Colva police with a plea to register FIR against the former Benaulim sarpnach for allegedly procuring a reconditioned defective photocopying machine. The BDO has requested the Colva police to register a FIR, conduct investigation and prosecute the accused as per the law.
Mardolkar’s complaint comes against the backdrop of investigations by the Anti Corruption Branch of the Directorate of Vigilance into a complaint lodged by a resident of Mazilwado-Benaulim Caitano Furtado, who alleged that the panchayat had purchased a defective photo copier resulting in loss to the public exchequer.
The ACB inquiry had revealed that the panchayat had procured a reconditioned defective photo copier which was allegedly purchased without following due procedure, resulting in a consequential loss to the tune of Rs 1.35 lakh to the public. The inquiry had held former sarpanch Carmelina and the then secretary (since deceased) as being wholly responsible for the procurement.
Sources said the ACB had submitted the inquiry report to the Chief Secretary and it has been directed that the Directorate of Panchayat should initiate proceedings for recovery of loss caused to the exchequer, besides filing a FIR.
Sources said the Colva police has called the Salcete BDO to record his statement before the police initiates further action in the matter.
allegedly purchased without following due procedure, resulting in a consequential loss to the tune of Rs 1.35 lakh to the public. The inquiry had held former sarpanch Carmelina and the then secretary (since deceased) as being wholly responsible for the procurement.
Sources said the ACB had submitted the inquiry report to the Chief Secretary and it has been directed that the Directorate of Panchayat should initiate proceedings for recovery of loss caused to the exchequer for purchasing the machine, besides filing a FIR against those responsible for the fraudulent purchase.
Sources said the Colva police has called the Salcete BDO to record his statement before the police initiates further action in the matter.
