To prevent fudging and to ensure that documents did not go missing Yadav asked Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manoj Sariam to seal the office. Yadav said the scam was not possible without the active involvement of bank officials because they deposited drafts in Patel’s account though they were not issued in his name.

A team from the office of Joint Director of Treasury and Accounts had found irregularities during an audit. Sariam said the office was sealed to allow the team access to all papers after the staff was asked to vacate it. The seal was opened on Thursday afternoon and the 20-odd staff members were allowed to work.

DPC R K Tiwari, who joined the office two years ago, claimed he was not aware how Patel opened the account in his name and managed to withdraw such a huge amount. He said projects under DPEP were officially wound up in the district in December 2002.