₹99 lakh scam unearthed in Shillanji panchayat, 12 booked

Financial irregularities worth nearly Rs 99 lakh in development works under Shillanji gram panchayat of the Sangrah development block of Sirmaur district have come under the scanner of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) at Nahan. Acting on a detailed probe, the bureau has registered a first information report (FIR) against 12 individuals, including the panchayat pradhan, former panchayat secretary, junior engineer, technical assistant, several ward members, and material suppliers.

The case originates from a complaint filed nearly two years ago by the local residents. They had raised serious concerns over financial discrepancies in nearly a dozen development works, initially approaching the Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur and Block Development Officer Sangrah. However, due to inaction, they sought judicial intervention, which prompted a formal investigation.

The inquiry revealed massive embezzlement of government funds in the execution of panchayat projects. After receiving requisite prosecution sanctions in April—against elected representatives from the Deputy Commissioner and against government officials from the CEO, Zila Parishad—the vigilance bureau proceeded with registering the FIR.

The accused list includes not only key panchayat functionaries but also vendors involved in supplying construction materials for the questionable works. The case has now widened to impact officials from the Rajgarh Development Block, raising questions about systemic lapses.

Joginder Singh, one of the complainants, expressed hope that strong legal action will be taken to ensure justice and prevent such corruption in the future. He shared a copy of the FIR publicly and urged the vigilance department to pursue the case with full seriousness.

SP Nischint Singh Negi said the investigation has been entrusted to the Sirmaur ASP.

Himachal Tribune