Calcutta HC seeks CAG explanation for delay in report on alleged Rs 1,000 crore flood-relief irregularities
Kolkata, Nov 28
The Calcutta High Court has sought an explanation from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) over the delay in filing its final probe report on alleged irregularities amounting to nearly Rs 1, 000 crore in flood-relief allocations in West Bengal’s Malda district.
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen sought the explanation from the office of the CAG on Thursday, and the order was uploaded on Friday morning.
The division bench sought explanations on why, despite carrying out a probe in the matter, it was reluctant to make the probe report public. The division bench directed the office of the CAG to submit its explanations in the matter by the next date of hearing, which has been fixed on December 15.
The case pertains to the alleged misappropriation of relief funds sanctioned after severe flooding in Malda in 2017. It was alleged that although funds were allotted, the local panchayat members syphoned it instead of allotting it to the genuine flood-affected people.
A public interest litigation in the matter was filed at the Calcutta High Court, and the court directed the office of the CAG to conduct a probe into the merits of the allegations.
In the initial report, the office of the CAG indicated possible irregularities and also identified some panchayat members as probable offenders in the matter.
However, the office of the CAG did not file any other subsequent report, although the petitioners alleged that the CAG had obtained information about the details of irregularities in the matter, as well as the names of those involved in those irregularities.
Now, the Calcutta High Court had raised questions on why the office of the CAG was reluctant to submit the second report.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is why people lose faith in the system. When relief funds meant for disaster victims are misused, it's the poorest who suffer the most. The CAG should explain the delay immediately.
As someone who works in audit, I understand these investigations take time, but 5+ years is excessive. The CAG owes the public a proper explanation for such a long delay in a matter involving public funds.
Shameful! Stealing from flood victims who lost everything. The panchayat members involved should be named and shamed. Hope the court ensures strict action is taken 🤬
Good step by Calcutta HC. The CAG is supposed to be independent and transparent. Their reluctance to submit the final report suggests political pressure or internal issues that need to be addressed.
While I appreciate the court's intervention, I hope this doesn't become another case that drags on for years. The flood victims deserve closure and compensation if funds were indeed misappropriated.
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