Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Nov 7: Srikantayya, executive engineer in the zilla panchayat engineering department of Kodagu district stands suspended. The allegation against the officer of diverting grant of Rs 21 crore meant for natural disaster relief to his personal account was found to have been proved. The suspension order was issued by panchayat raj minister K S Eshwarappa and district in-charge minister Somanna.

As the charges were proved, chief executive officer (CEO) of the zilla panchayat Laxmipriya, had recommended to the chief secretary of Karnataka on October 9, to suspend him.

The district had received Rs 28 crore towards natural disaster relief works out of which cheque of Rs 21 crore had been handed over by deputy commissioner of the district Anees Kanmani Joy, to zilla panchayat raj department. She had instructed to keep this amount in separate account. Srikantayya had got the amount credited in his account with Kotak Mahindra Bank. This amount was spent for various works, and now only Rs 21 lac is remaining, it is said.

Although depositing of money into a private bank requires administrative clearance from the finance department and district administration, Srikantayya violated this rule. Zilla panchayat member, Shivu Madappa, had demanded investigation after which the CEO ordered investigation.

The chief accounts officer found that the said amount was credited to account with private bank. The CEO said that the recommendation has been sent to the government, recommending to take suitable action against the erring officer.