ACB Files FIR Against Former Village Officials in Ahmedabad Over ₹1.55 Crore Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Ahmedabad has taken decisive action by registering a formal First Information Report (FIR) on Wednesday against two former officials from Dhamatvan village in Daskroi taluka. The case centers on serious allegations of misuse of power and extensive financial irregularities that reportedly caused a substantial loss to government funds.
Details of the Alleged Irregularities
According to the complaint filed by an ACB police inspector from the Ahmedabad rural unit, the investigation uncovered multiple violations during the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. The accused individuals—a former sarpanch and a talati-cum-minister—are alleged to have orchestrated a scheme involving the gram panchayat's own funds without following proper procedures.
The ACB probe revealed several key findings:
- Expenses were incurred under various heads, including soil filling, water supply projects, festival celebrations, and salary payments, without obtaining the required resolutions or technical approvals from appropriate authorities.
- No proper records or documentation were maintained for these expenditures, creating a significant lack of transparency and accountability.
- In a particularly concerning practice, salaries meant for panchayat employees were not transferred directly to their bank accounts. Instead, payments were processed through bearer cheques issued in the name of the village computer operator, bypassing standard financial protocols.
Collusion and Financial Impact
Investigators determined that the two officials acted in collusion, leveraging their positions to divert funds for personal gain. This alleged misconduct resulted in a calculated loss of ₹1.55 crore to the government. The ACB has accused them of using the misappropriated funds to accumulate personal assets, thereby betraying public trust and violating their official duties.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to combat financial malpractice at the grassroots level of governance. The ACB's intervention underscores the importance of stringent oversight and adherence to procedural norms in the management of public resources.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to examine the full extent of the irregularities and pursue appropriate legal action against those responsible. This development serves as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and accountability in local administration to prevent such incidents in the future.
