Tripura Lokayukta wants investigation

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, July 23: The Lokayukta of Tripura instructed the state government for a full fledged investigation over the alleged misappropriation of Rs 10.52 crore sanctioned by the central government for Jatropha cultivation in Tripura.

Lokayukta justice P K Sarkar in his verdict identified three senior officers of the forest department PCCF Satan Talukdar, CCF Debasish Chakraborty and the accounts officer of the office of the PCCF Amalendu Debbarma for their involvement in misappropriation of huge amount of fund.

“I am satisfied about the prima facie case of corruption of the three who were allegedly involved in  misappropriating huge amount of public money. Therefore the case needs investigation,” Lokayakta Justice Sarkar commented in his verdict.

The case came before the Lokayukta following a complaint filed by one Ra Pratap th Bhowmik.

He said the Rural Development Department of the central government sanctioned Rs 10.52 crore in two installments Rs 7.52 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively to the forest department for Jatropha cultivation but the entire amount was misappropriated.

The inspector of police attached to the Lokayukta was entrusted to investigate the case but the three accused did not cooperated with him. However, from the available records the Lokaykta got convinced about the corrupt practice and recommended for full fledged investigation.