BDPO Khanna suspended for embezzling government funds

Chandigarh: Following directives from Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, the department has suspended the services of Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Khanna Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, with immediate effect for embezzling the government funds.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that there were complaints against BDPO Kulwinder Singh Randhawa. Subsequently, the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO), Ludhiana was assigned to conduct a thorough investigation. The report received from the DDPO Ludhiana revealed misuse of funds belonging to Panchayat Samiti Khanna and making improper payments amounting to Rs.58.25 lakhs without appropriate approval and by opening of unauthorized accounts. Based on these charges, the services of Kulwinder Singh Randhawa, BDPO Khanna has been placed under suspension, he added.

During the suspension period, the employee’s headquarters will be the office of the District Development and Panchayat Officer, SAS Nagar. The order reads that the suspended employee will be given subsistence allowance as per the terms and conditions under Rule 7.2 of Punjab Civil Services Rules.

Affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring corruption-free and transparent governance, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government will not tolerate any form of dereliction, indiscipline or corruption. He said that immediate and stringent action will be taken upon the emergence of such cases.