FIR against panchayat secretary for embezzlement of govt fund

Patna: An FIR was registered against panchayat secretary Ramakant Giri for allegedly embezzling govt funds amounting to Rs1.06 crore under Masaurhi police station area in Patna district.

The misappropriation of the funds was detected during an investigation ordered by Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M.


The allegations relate to financial year 2020-21, when Giri was posted as panchayat secretary in Mokama block, where he oversaw 15 panchayats. Under the 15th Finance Commission grants, funds were allocated for key rural development projects, including tap water supply, sewer and drain construction, road paving, panchayat govt buildings, and sanitation initiatives. The probe revealed that these funds were neither properly utilised nor audited. There were no clear records of expenditure as per scheme, locations of work executed, or proper accounting under relevant budget heads.

The DM’s inquiry highlighted indiscipline, negligence in official duties, and financial irregularities. Giri reportedly failed to cooperate during the investigation and disregarded departmental guidelines. Following the confirmation of these lapses in the official report, the DM directed the block development officer (BDO) of Masaurhi, Prabhakar Kumar, to lodge an FIR in this regard at Masaurhi police station.

Based on the FIR, Giri faced charges of embezzlement of govt funds and negligence in discharging duties. The DM also ordered his dismissal from govt service. Giri was serving in the Rewan panchayat under Masaurhi block.

Vivek Bharti, SHO of Masaurhi police station, told TOI that the FIR was registered on Saturday, following the complaint lodged by the BDO. “The committee investigating the matter, on the instruction of the DM, submitted its report. Further action will be taken based on the report,” he said.