PANAJI
Over two years after allegations with documentary proof of financial fraud and irregularities by ex-Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) Swayandipta Pal Chaudhari surfaced, the Anti-Corruption Branch has finally registered an offense against him.
The FIR mentions that Chaudhari allegedly misappropriated government funds during his stint as MD/CEO IPSCDL from April 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020 which led to a massive loss of Rs 82.87 lakh to the State exchequer.
Sources said that ACB will now seek his interrogation as a summons is soon to be served on him.
As per complaints, which were also confirmed in a report by former MD IPSCDL Mamu Hage, Chaudhari siphoned off the huge sum and failed to return even after his transfer amid allegations.
Earlier in November 2022, Shailendra Velingkar sought recovery of Rs 31.84 lakh approx from the ex-CEO, which was paid even after his fixed term period of appointment at the IPSCDL, ended. “He fraudulently withdrew Rs 39.30 crore from various bank accounts of IPSCDL and Amrut Mission as an authorized signatory despite his appointment term ended. A First Information Report under appropriate sections should be registered against him and he should be arrested,” Velingkar had said in his letter to the chief vigilance officer.
Besides investigation into his financial fraud, Velingkar sought probe into projects initiated by Chaudhari during and after his tenure at the IPSCDL. Supported by other activists, Velingkar also urged the government to hold all Smart City projects till the disposal of the matter as Chaudhari allegedly gave post-facto approvals to projects releasing payments to the concerned.
