Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 3: In connection with siphoning off of Rs 55 crore belonging to Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd (KRIDL) deposited in a bank, the state government has ordered suspension of three senior officials. The case has been entrusted for Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe.

The suspended officials happen to be chief finance officer of KRIDL, Dr Veeranagouda Patil, deputy finance officer, Prashanth Madal, and finance superintendent, Shankarachari. Rural development and panchayat raj department said in its suspension order that the suspension will be in force till further orders.

The officials were suspended pending department inquiry, after it was prima facie found that fixed deposit of Rs 55 crore made in Indian Overseas Bank's Kulai branch had been is usurped by way of illegal transfers to different accounts. The preliminary investigation undertaken by KRIDL officials and internal finance advisers of rural development and panchayat raj department have found the officials guilty. Curiously, chief finance officer, Dr Veeeranagouda Patil, had filed complaint in Suratkal police station on October 29, drawing attention to the embezzlement of Rs 55 crore belonging to the concern in Kulai branch of Indian Overseas Bank and seeking to file criminal case against the accused. It is said that the preliminary investigation report which was placed before the chief minister, was approved by him. All the officials who now stand suspended are based in the city.

The department has also decided to file another criminal complaint with the concerned police station here. Already a complaint has been filed in Suratkal station. A high powered committee led by principal secretary in the rural development and panchayat raj department, Dr Nagambika Devi, has been ordered to be formed to go into fixed deposited invested by KRIDL in various banks and file a detailed report thereof with the government.