MANIDCO engineers face fraud slur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2012: Funds allocated for development of RCC tanks inside the Lamphelpat complex of Fishery Department and relevant purchases have reportedly been embezzled by Engineers of Manipur Industrial Development Corporation (Manidco) .

An informed source disclosed to The Sangai Express that requisite fund was released for construction of 12 RCC tanks at the District Fishery office complex for which an amount of Rs 2.54 lakh was deposited in the account of Manidco in April 2006 .

The total deposited amount was for the construction of four large sized tanks and eight relatively smaller ones, as well as for the purchase of 400 cement bags at the then existing rate of Rs 275 per bag.

While the larger tanks of 5mx2m x1.2 m size were found to have been constructed the remaining eight RCC tanks of 2 m x 1m x 1m size could not be traced when Chief Technical Examiner of the State Vigilance Commission was assigned for a physical verification.

for the larger ponds the earmarked amount was Rs 1,24,358 while the amount for constructing the smaller tanks was Rs 1,39,700, detailed the source while confiding that on being informed about suspicion of fund embezzlement the Vigilance Commission registered a case and launched an investigation.

During the probe by the Technical Examiner it came to light that four tanks had already been constructed near the pawn hatchery site of the Department but the others could not be detected anywhere inside the complex consequently resulting in the Commission taking up a case of fund misuse against the Manidco Engineers.

It is informed that the Manidco Executive Engineer (C-1) namely K Inaobi, who was the official concerned for the tanks construction, was found to have withdrawn (in phases) a total amount of Rs 2.45 lakhs out of the sanctioned amount of Rs 2.64 lakhs even though construction/development of only the four larger tanks could be spotted on the day physical verification was conducted.

Subsequent investigation by the Commission also unravelled involvement of a Manidco Assistant Engineer identified as N Manglem Singh.

Manglem has been accused of facilitating release of Rs 35,000 for non-constructed works by submitting a proposal to Manidco Ltd in collusion with K Inaobi Singh, disclosed the source.

Charging the EE of misappropriating Rs 1,05,300, the Commission has recommended further departmental enquiry against both the Engineers so that official process for major penalty could be initiated, added the source.

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