Berhampur: In its first stern action against the multi-crore corruption in Berhampur Regional Marketing Coperative Society (BRMCS), the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS), Berhampur on Thursday ordered the termination of six employees, who were appointed without the approbation of the concerned authorities.
The DRCS has also directed for an investigation into the financial irregularities and illegal employment in the body following an order from Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro.
The Speaker ordered for a probe into the matter after a question was raised by Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati in this connection in the recently concluded Monsoon session of the State Assembly.
According to sources, the lease of the lands and godowns of BRMCS were provided at throw away prices, the audit of which has not been done since last seven years. From the primary investigation it has come to fore that there has been a goof up around Rs 22, 81,000 in the process.
“After the ruling by honourable speaker and a directive by Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Bhubaneswar- I have ordered a probe into the matter from Wednesday. Initial probe revealed that the lease of the lands and godowns has been provided illegally and the security money around Rs 22 lakh has been goofed up,” stated DRCS Biswaranjan Das.
The BRMCS, which is covering areas of Chhatrapur, Chikiti, Digapahandi, Hinjili, Kukudakhandi, Purusottampur, Patrapur, Rangeilunda and Sanakhemundi Block, has also ordered to lodge an FIR in this connection in the nearby police station expeditiously.
Condemning the corruption in BRMCS, former president of Ganjam District Cooperative Society (GDCS) Sanatan Sangram Singh said “The body has been entrusted the responsibility as the caretaker. They have no right to provide the lease of the lands and the godowns at throwaway prices."
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)