Yadgir
Serious allegations of fund misappropriation have surfaced against several Gram Panchayats in Surpur taluk of Yadgir district, with complaints pointing to misuse of funds allocated for Scheduled Castes under the 15th Finance Commission for the year 2024–25.
Office bearers of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Bheemvaad), Surpur unit, have lodged a formal complaint with concerned authorities, accusing Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) of diverting funds meant for welfare activities through irregular means.
According to the complainants, in multiple Gram Panchayats, the funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes were not utilized for intended purposes. Instead, works were allegedly shown only on paper, with fake documentation and bogus bills used to siphon off money.
The irregularities are suspected in several panchyat’s including Hegganadoddi, Badyapur, Evur, Yalgi, Yaktapur, Waganagera, Tinthani, Sugur, Peth Ammapur, Kiradalli, Naganur, Mallabi, Malagatti, Khanapur (S.H.), Karadakalp, Kachakanur, Devikera, Devatkal, Devaragonal, Devapur, Arakera (K), and Aldal.
The organization has alleged that an amount of ₹86.26 lakh has been misappropriated without executing actual development works. They have demanded immediate spot inspections, formation of a special investigation team, and suspension of the concerned PDOs. The group also urged authorities to recover the misused funds and ensure strict action to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Leaders Jaibheem Mallappa and Devaraj warned that if prompt action is not taken, phased protests will be launched against the alleged corrupt officials.