FIR against Civic Chief, eight others for cheating civic body

Palanpur, May 27 (UNI) A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against nine persons of Palanpur Municipal Corporation, including former civic president, for cheating the civic body to the tune of over Rs 1.34 crore.

Resident Deputy Collector J S Prajapati said the complaint came in the wake of the audit reports which fixed the nine accused as responsible for embezzlement.

Two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered last evening by the newly posted chief officer Ketan Vanani for Misuse and embezzlement against nine persons including former civic president and existing president of the local body for cheating the civic body of Rs 1,34,91,811.

Chief Officer lodged a complaint against Ms Rehkeben Trivedi (former Civic President), Ashok Thakore (Existing president), two chair persons -- Ms H N Rathod (Water Supplies Board) and Babuben Dharamji Thakore (Cumulative Development Programme).

The five others are former Chief officers P L Jadhav, V D Sukhadiya and Haresh Brhambhatt, Karsanbhai Joshi, Engineer of Water Works, Mahendrabhai Fadia (Project incharge).

The complainant, Mr Vanani has been provided with police protection as per his request, police sources said.

Dy SP P M Chhpiya and Police Inspector V B Patel was investigating the case.

UNI