Srinagar: A village headman associated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party is being accused of siphoning money meant for the community welfare.
A delegation from Thayan (B) of Kalaroos told GNS that the Sarpanch, Manzoor Ahmad Malik is ‘committing fraud and corruption’. They alleged that the Malik has grabbed amassed thousands of rupees which were meant for poor people.
The delegation said that Malik has illegally recommended those persons for Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) scheme – who offer bribe. “He doesn’t sanction cases in the favour of poor families who have no house and are living under extreme poverty,” a resident, Muhammad Rafiq said.
Despite several requests he hasn’t paid any attention towards us and ironically he threatens us, one of the delegation member Rafiq Ahmad said.
Ahmad quoted the Sarpanch, saying: “Nobody can harm me…Go wherever you wish.”
Another resident, Fareed Ahmad said: “I live in my uncle’s house. I also went to Sarpanch regarding the sanctioning of case. But, he demanded bribe from me. I categorically told him that I am not going to pay even a penny.”
He said that after he declined to pay, Malik all of a sudden dropped his case from the list.
“In 2010, I was one of the beneficiaries under IAY scheme. That year, government used to pay 48,000. But Malik paid only Rs 29,000,” said Muhammad Yasin, who was also a part of the delegation.
The delegation said that the Sarpanch not only grabbed the money from IAY but also from National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
They said that, “Last year, a developmental work under NREGA was going on in our area. Out of one lac each for three labourers, he grabbed 40,000 rupees –meant for– Abdul Lateef, Bashir Ahmad and Abdul Majeed,” adding: “Instead of paying, he hurled abuses on them.”
The delegation further said: “Before being elected as Sarpanch, Manzoor Ahmad Malik was an ordinary labour, but now he owns property worth lacs of rupees.” “He has been utilizing the funds for himself instead of using it for the welfare and development of the Halqa,” the delegation alleged.
The delegation demanded the higher authorities to take a serious look into the matter and said that the Sarpanch should be sacked with immediate effect adding that ‘he has sucked our blood’, adding that, ‘the poor people find it difficult to live under his headship’.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kupwara, Itrat Hussain, told GNS that the delegation had already met him and he has ordered a probe in this regard. “A probe has been ordered in this regard and District Panchayat Officer, Muhammad Shafi is enquiry officer,” the DC said. (GNS)