Mandleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Layers of corruption started to unfold in Jalud Panchayat as an investigation team scrutinised records for hours and measured irregularities in construction works on Wednesday. The investigation was launched following report published in Free Press on May 12.
After serious allegations from villagers in Jalud Gram Panchayat, the administration took action. A high-level investigation team arrived at the Panchayat office and conducted a thorough investigation for hours.
The team, arriving at 11:30 am, examined records related to construction works and activities during the tenure of sarpanch Godavari Alok Chauhan and former secretary Kalu Singh Patel.
They checked the quality of construction at various sites, including drains, RCC roads, soak pits and public toilets. The team reportedly found that many works were of poor quality, and in some cases, work had not been done.
The joint investigation team, including officials from the Rural Mechanical Service Division and MNREGA, inspected documents and construction sites for over six hours. This investigation may reveal corruption worth lakhs of rupees in the Panchayat.
Complainants allege that former secretary Kalu Singh Patel, in collusion with Sarpanch Godavari Alok Chauhan, committed fraud involving government funds. The investigation team reviewed bills, vouchers and technical approvals for various construction works.
The team will prepare a detailed report for senior officials, leading to further legal and administrative actions, said officials.
