‘Misappropriation’ of Home Guard funds: Haryana Vigilance Bureau files graft case

Chandigarh: The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SVACB) on Wednesday registered a corruption case over alleged misappropriation of welfare funds meant for Home Guard volunteers, and illegal backdoor recruitment despite an official ban.The case was registered against unidentified officials of the home department and personnel linked to the office of the Director General of Home Guards. According to the FIR registered at the SVACB police station in Panchkula, officials allegedly facilitated the illegal induction of new Home Guard volunteers with the connivance of middlemen, even after the home department imposed a recruitment ban in Feb 2016.The bureau also alleged that officials concerned misled both the chief minister's office (CMO) and the office of the home secretary during multiple enquiries into the matter. The action follows a preliminary probe initiated on the basis of a representation submitted by Karambir Alewa, national coordinator of the Home Guard Volunteers Association. In his complaint, Alewa alleged large-scale irregularities in recruitment and diversion of welfare funds. While the FIR does not specify the amount involved, Alewa claimed the alleged misappropriation could run up to Rs 200 crore. He also stated that he possessed audio and video evidence supporting the allegations.Alewa further alleged that nearly 1,500 Home Guard volunteers were added to district units after the recruitment ban came into force. Confirming the registration of the case, SVACB director-general AS Chawla said the bureau was currently verifying the facts. "The case has just been registered and our officials are verifying the facts. We shall proceed as per the factual situation," Chawla said. MSID:: 131226964 413 |