‘Fraud’ at PSEB office: 2 arrested
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, January 16
The recently exposed “fraud” of Rs 1.18 crore at the PSEB office, Muktsar, has not only given a bad name to the office but also put certain staff members in the dock.

Though the prime accused, head cashier Sukhpal Singh, who allegedly decamped with the money, is still at large, revenue accountant Yograj and lower divisional clerk Krishan Kumar have been arrested after PSEB officials alleged their connivance in the crime.

Sources said the police had interrogated a cashier, Satwant Kaur, also but failing to ascertain her involvement in the crime, she was released. On the other hand, the PSEB authorities have suspended Sukhpal Singh, Yograj and Krishan Kumar.

Executive engineer, PSEB, Muktsar, said the department had suspended Satwant Kaur also, but in the absence of any proof of her involvement in the scam, she was reinstated yesterday.

He said many others could have been involved in the case, as investigations were going on.

The “fraud” was exposed when on January 12 he left the office in the morning with cash amounting to about Rs 12 lakh to deposit in the bank but did not turn up till 4 pm. Worried over his absence, the staff tried to contact him, but his cellphone was switched off.

Officials brought the matter to the notice of the higher authorities and lodged an FIR with the city police. Later, while investigating, officials found discrepancy of Rs 1.18 crore in the accounts. They also found that Sukhpal also allegedly took away some official records.

Sources said being a head cashier of the office, Sukhpal used to have the possession of one of the two keys of the cash safe.

Chief engineer, PSEB (west zone), GP Singh said, “We have been investigating the case in detail as all records are being thoroughly inspected. Any body found guilty will not be spared.”

The SHO, Muktsar, Davinder Singh said, “A case has been registered under Sections 409, 120-B and 201 of the IPC. Two accused, Yograj and Krishan Kumar have been arrested while prime accused Sukhpal Singh is still at large.”