Chhattisgarh SDM Suspended Over Rs 43 Crore Misappropriation
The Chhattisgarh government on Monday suspended Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nirbhay Kumar Sahu over allegations of misappropriating Rs 43.18 crore, which was allocated as compensation for land acquisitions under the centrally funded Bharatmala Project. The incident took place during his tenure as SDM of Abhanpur in Raipur district. He is currently serving as the municipal commissioner of Jagdalpur.
Misuse of Bharatmala Project Funds
The alleged financial mismanagement is linked to the proposed Raipur-Visakhapatnam Bharatmala Road Corridor project, a crucial infrastructure initiative under the central government. Officials claim that Sahu wrongfully disbursed compensation to certain landowners, raising suspicions of fraudulent transactions and corruption.
Fifth Suspension in the Case
Sahu is the fifth government official to face suspension in connection with this financial scandal. The Chhattisgarh administration is cracking down on irregularities in land acquisition payments, ensuring accountability for those involved. The authorities have also hinted at a deeper probe into corruption in public infrastructure projects.
Political Angle: Irregularities Under the Previous Congress Regime?
According to government sources, the alleged financial misappropriation occurred during the tenure of the previous Congress-led state government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which currently governs Chhattisgarh, has promised strict action against financial misconduct in government projects. The incident adds to the list of corruption allegations against the former regime, intensifying the political debate.
Government’s Response and Future Action
The Chhattisgarh government has stated that a high-level investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the misappropriation. Additional suspensions and legal action may follow, depending on the findings. The authorities are also reviewing other land acquisition deals under the Bharatmala Project to detect further irregularities.
Impact on the Bharatmala Road Corridor Project
The Raipur-Visakhapatnam Bharatmala Road Corridor is a vital infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth. However, corruption allegations could cause delays in land acquisition and project execution. The government has assured the public that corrective measures will be taken to prevent future financial irregularities.
The suspension of SDM Nirbhay Kumar Sahu over the Rs 43.18 crore land compensation scam highlights the growing concerns of financial corruption in public infrastructure projects. With ongoing investigations, it remains to be seen how deeply the scam runs and what actions will be taken against other involved officials. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending.
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