CBI Charges Ex-DC, Officials in Arunachal Pradesh Corruption Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against former Deputy Commissioner Padma Jaishwal and two officials from West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh for corruption and misappropriation of public funds. The case alleges misuse of government funds for personal purposes and illegal transactions involving over Rs 28 lakh.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a chargesheet against three individuals, including former Deputy Commissioner (DC) of West Kameng, Padma Jaishwal, in a corruption and public funds misappropriation case in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaishwal, along with the then Finance and Accounts Officer (F&AO) Nor Bahadur Sonar and Cashier Rinchin Phuntsok, face serious allegations.

An official release detailed the accusations, stating, "Following notifications by the government of Arunachal Pradesh and the government of India, the CBI registered a case on March 4, 2021, against the trio. The allegations suggest the then DC exploited her position for personal gain, diverting government funds and creating demand drafts remitted to private accounts payable at SBI, Chandigarh."

The release further claimed that the then DC frequently directed the cashier and F&AO to withdraw substantial cash amounts on a purportedly returnable basis, which were misappropriated. The investigation also highlighted gross procedural violations and conspiracies leading to the mismanagement of Deposit at Call Receipts (DCRs) worth Rs 28 lakh, converting them into demand drafts to purchase properties for the DC's relatives.

Investigators established that Padma Jaishwal, in collusion with the other two officials, dissolved government DCRs and issued demand drafts totaling Rs 28 lakh for purchasing immovable properties. The public is reminded that these findings are based on CBI's investigation and collected evidence.

Under Indian law, all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)