Summary:
“The state government had formed a committee headed by Justice M G Gaikwad was formed to probe the allegations of misappropriation of government funds meant for ITDP projects. AURANGABAD: The project officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project in Aurangabad between 2004-2009 has been booked on the charges of misappropriation of funds of Rs 60 lakh.Inspector Nirmala Pardeshi of Cidco police station said the officer has been booked under sections 420 (cheating and dishonesty), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code based on the complaint lodged by assistant project officer Dilip Khokle Recently, a detailed judicial inquiry report was submitted to the government. The committee submitted its report and a complaint has been lodged,” said Khokle.Based on the directives of the Bombay high court on March 27, 2014, the state government formed a five-member committee headed by Justice Gaikwad on April 15, 2014.The complaint lodged by Khokle states that the then officer allegedly misused his official position did not completely distribute the HD pipes, bicycles, thrasher machines, sewing machines, farming equipment that were meant for the tribals.Moreover, the officer allegedly did not maintain proper record of the articles received as well as the total number of articles distributed amongst the tribals, thus causing a loss of Rs 59.30 lakhs to the state..