DVAC Files Case Against Eight for Alleged Rs 32.78 Lakh Fraud in Virudhunagar Panchayat
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has taken decisive action by filing a formal case against eight individuals, including two executive officers, for their alleged involvement in a significant misappropriation of government funds. The case centers on Mamsapuram town panchayat in Virudhunagar district, where authorities uncovered a scheme involving fake receipts that siphoned off public money intended for essential community services.
Complaint and Investigation Details
According to official sources, the case originated from a complaint filed in 2024 by Raja, who serves as the present ward two councillor and previously held the position of municipal chairman. Raja brought the alleged irregularities to the attention of the Virudhunagar DVAC, prompting a thorough investigation into the matter.
The complaint specifically highlighted suspicious activities that occurred between November 2022 and November 2023. During this period, funds allocated for providing basic facilities to residents—such as water supply and lighting maintenance—were allegedly diverted through fraudulent means. Preliminary investigations conducted by the DVAC have revealed that a total of Rs 32.78 lakh was misappropriated through the creation of 334 fake receipts.
Nature of the Fraud
The investigation uncovered that the accused individuals prepared these fake bills without actually purchasing any new materials or completing the intended works. Key areas affected included street light maintenance, where funds were purportedly used for non-existent services. This systematic fraud not only drained public resources but also compromised the delivery of essential utilities to the local population.
Following the preliminary findings, police authorities have officially registered a case against the eight staff members who were previously employed with Mamsapuram town panchayat. The accused are alleged to have been directly involved in the preparation and submission of these fraudulent bills, leading to the substantial financial loss.
List of Accused Individuals
The individuals named in the case include:
- Manikandan, executive officer of Peraiyur town panchayat
- Ushagracy, executive officer of Anjugramam town panchayat
- Sathiyamoorthy, electrician
- Dhilipan, junior assistant
- Pillaiyar, junior assistant
- Karthik, health worker
- Murugesan, electrical assistant
- Veerandi, electrical shop owner
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to combat financial misconduct in local governance. The DVAC's intervention highlights the importance of vigilance in ensuring that government funds are utilized transparently and effectively for public welfare projects.
