THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, March 19: During the budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly on Tuesday, the ruling party targeted the government over the illegal withdrawal of funds in the drinking water department. In government’s response, Pradeep Yadav remarked, “They dug a mountain, but found a mouse.” He urged Minister-in-charge Yogendra Pratap not to cover up with loud statements.
Yadav pointed out that clerk Santosh Kumar had been posted at the same position for 15 years. In his 27-page clarification, Santosh made serious allegations against officers. Yadav further demanded that the government take action against corruption and that the finance department should also be held accountable.
4 Finance Dept Officials Suspended: Radhakrishna Kishore
Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore stated that the government is working with a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He assured that no official will be spared in the illegal withdrawal case. A case of illegal withdrawal amounting to Rs 2.71 crore has been registered against Santosh Kumar.
In light of the recommendations made by the seven-member inter-departmental committee of the finance department, four officials – Manoj Sinha, Sunil Sinha, Manoj Sinha, and Meera Kumari Gupta – have been suspended.
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Former Finance Minister Recommended CID and ACB Inquiry: Yogendra
In response, Minister-in-charge Yogendra Pratap stated that former Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon had recommended an ACB and CID investigation into the matter.
In reply, Oraon, reflecting on his extensive experience in the police department, mentioned that during his 28 years of service, including his tenure as the Chief of CID in Bihar, he was aware of the complexities surrounding such investigations.
He highlighted that the CID’s reputation is a mixed one, with the ability to either entangle, dismiss, or clarify cases based on the intentions and objectives of those involved.
FIR Filed Against Santosh Kumar: Yogendra
Minister-in-charge Yogendra Pratap announced that Santosh Kumar, the senior clerk, has been suspended and an FIR has been registered against him at the Sadar police station in Ranchi. The account has been frozen, and a sale notice has been filed.
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Currently, Santosh Kumar is in custody. Departmental proceedings are underway against Prabhat Kumar Singh, the then Executive Engineer, Chandra Shekhar, the Executive Engineer, Radheshyam Ravi, the then Executive Engineer, and Sanjay Kumar, the junior clerk.
A request has been made to the Cabinet Secretariat and the Vigilance Department (Vigilance) to conduct a detailed investigation by the ACB. Additionally, the Accountant General of Jharkhand has been requested for a special audit to calculate the actual amount and facilitate recovery actions from the concerned individuals.
