Punjab VB arrest five Panchayat members for misappropriating government grants

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Thursday apprehended Gurmej Singh and Jawala Singh (both ex-Sarpanches), Nirvail Singh, Kabul Singh and Gurbir Singh (both ex-members) of village panchayat, Benka, Tarn Taran district for misappropriating government grant received for development of the village.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the former panchayat members on a complaint lodged by Shubeg Singh, a resident of village Benka to Bureau.

He further informed that during the investigation of said complainant it was found that the accused have embezzled government funds amounting to Rs. 1,66,95,153 during their tenure as members of Panchayat of village Benka.

In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against all the five accused at VB police station Amritsar range and further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.