By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th February 2025: In a significant development, the police have arrested former BJP women’s panchayat pradhan Sujata Neyogi in connection with an alleged financial corruption case.
The accused was produced in court yesterday, following which the court ordered her to be remanded in jail for 14 days until March 3.
The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the construction of drinking water sources and other developmental projects in West Kalabaria Panchayat, under Bharatchandra Nagar block of Belonia subdivision. Complaints about these discrepancies were repeatedly lodged with Bharatchandra Nagar Block Community Development Officer Kaberi Nath and Panchayat Samiti Chairman Putul Pal Biswas.
In response, a team comprising Chairman Putul Pal Biswas, Community Development Officer Kaberi Nath, Additional Community Development Officer Sudip Kar, and other officials conducted an on-site inspection in June last year. Their findings raised serious concerns about the misappropriation of funds. After reviewing registers, expenditure accounts, and development records from Panchayat Secretary Anath Pal, the officials identified massive discrepancies between the reported expenses and actual work done.
A subsequent investigation committee confirmed financial misappropriation amounting to Rs 9.73 lakh. Funds were allegedly spent on non-existent projects, including tube wells and other water sources. Following the findings, a show-cause notice was issued to the Panchayat Secretary. Dissatisfied with his response, the Community Development Officer escalated the matter to the South District Magistrate.
During the probe, Panchayat Secretary Anath Pal claimed that he had acted under the instructions of then-Panchayat Pradhan Sujata Neyogi and the Upa Pradhan.
He also alleged that payments were made in the names of the President’s family members through fraudulent vouchers.
Acting on the investigation report, State Panchayat Director Prasun Dey directed the District Magistrate to file an FIR against the Panchayat Secretary and remove him from his position.
Consequently, a case was registered at Belonia Police Station on January 1, 2024. The police subsequently arrested Anath Pal, who later secured bail.
Further investigations led to the identification of several influential BJP leaders and public representatives linked to the case. As a result, the police arrested Sujata Neyogi yesterday under case number 3/2024, invoking Section 409 of the IPC and Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The arrest of the former BJP panchayat head has triggered widespread discussions across the southern districts, including Belonia.
