Malda, Sept. 16 -- Kaliachak police have arrested a civic volunteer in connection with an alleged cut-money racket involving the Awas Yojana and other government welfare schemes. The arrest came after police questioned a panchayat employee who had earlier been arrested in the case.
The accused has been identified as Ratan Mondal, the brother of Sandip Mondal. Ratan is reportedly working as a civic volunteer. Sandip, a resident of Ramashankartola under Kaliachak police station, was arrested earlier for allegedly demanding money from beneficiaries in the name of facilitating benefits under the Awas Yojana and other government schemes. He was working as a tax collector at Kaliachak-I Gram Panchayat, police said.
According to police sources, the investigation began following a written complaint lodged on September 13. Acting on the complaint, police raided Sandip's residence at Ramashankartola on Monday night and arrested him. During interrogation, police allegedly found the name of his brother Ratan Mondal in connection with the case. Based on the information gathered during the questioning, investigators subsequently arrested Ratan.
Police are now probing whether the accused allegedly collected money from beneficiaries and whether other people were involved in the alleged racket. Investigators are also examining the flow of money and the possible role of others in facilitating government scheme benefits.
Ratan Mondal, however, has denied the allegations against him.
Police said further questioning and investigation would be carried.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.