CBI raids 14 locations across UP over embezzlement of Rs 4 crore govt funds
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at 14 locations across Uttar Pradesh in connection with a case pertaining to the alleged
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted raids at 14 locations across Uttar Pradesh in connection with a case pertaining to the alleged embezzlement of government funds worth approximately Rs 4 crore, officials said. The raids took place at locations spread across Lucknow, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, Pratapgarh, and Amethi, they added. The probe relates to alleged irregularities in the payment of arrears by the Basic Education Department and is being carried out following an order by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, which directed a CBI investigation into the matter.
Read Full Story The FIR registered by the central agency stems from a police case and has named five accused so far, according to officials. One of the accused, the then Junior Accounts Clerk at the Basic Education Department, allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with the other accused and some unidentified persons and diverted approximately Rs 4 Crore of government funds to various bank accounts, the CBI said. According to Amethi's District Magistrate, Sanjay Chauhan, the funds were meant to clear arrears of teachers and other beneficiaries.
"After the matter came to light, an inquiry was conducted. Based on the evidence collected, an FIR was registered, and directions were issued for the recovery of the amount from those found responsible," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The official said the probe was transferred to the CBI after the accused persons approached the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. During the statewide searches, the CBI recovered incriminating documents pertaining to alleged investment and utilisation of the embezzled funds, officials said.
They added that multiple digital devices were also seized by the probe agency. Ends (With inputs from PTI)
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