PF scam in NCC Group HQ

Sources said although NCC officials have zeroed in on an accounts clerk for committing the fraud,his name is being kept secret and he is allowed to function in his post. He came to office even on Monday,but took a day’s leave and left.

Administrative Officer of NCC Group Headquarters,Col Sanjiv Puri,told The Indian Express that the police have been informed about the fraud and the name of the said accounts clerk has been mentioned in the police complaint. The accused’s name was,however,not disclosed to reporters. One of the fake accounts into which three of the 16 PF cheques were credited has been traced.

Col Puri said a departmental inquiry into the fraud is being done with a Patiala-based Air Force officer presiding over it. A report is expected soon. A separate letter for registration of an FIR has been sent to the police. Col Puri,however,said that a thorough investigation into the whole affair can be ordered only by the Directorate of Colleges,Punjab,in Chandigarh that deputes staff to NCC units and headquarters.

Sources say the internal inquiry being carried out in the fraud has been entrusted to a junior officer of the rank of Squadron Leader and the accused clerk is allowed to function normally on his post even after the detection of the fraud amounting to lakhs of rupees.

Col Puri categorically denied the involvement of other NCC officials and claimed that,“no Army or other armed forces’ official is involved in the fraud. We,however,fear that there may be other accomplices of the said clerk,which we are not ruling out.”

Puri added that since the said clerk was dealing with the government treasury,he had access to all the files relating to money transactions and also the signatures of all the officials of the NCC Group Headquarters.