LAMPS MD Suspended In Odisha For Rs 16.23 Lakh Embezzlement

Koraput: The Koraput Central Cooperative Bank has suspended Papadahandi Large Area Multi-purpose Cooperative Society (LAMPS) managing director (MD) Basant Kumar Das on charges of embezzling Rs 16.23 lakh during his tenure as MD of Pottangi LAMPS.

As per reports, Das along with LAMPS manager Rupadhara Pangi had purchased 2,020 quintals of fertiliser worth Rs 25 lakh between June and September 2018. The duo had allegedly sold the fertiliser in open market. Later during an audit, Das and Pangi could not produce documents substantiating expenses of about Rs 16.23 lakh.

Following the charges, Das was transferred to Papadahandi of Nabarangpur district. A team from Koraput Central Cooperative Bank was set up to probe the embezzlement charges against Das. Based on the findings of the probe team, the current MD of Pottangi LAMPS, Ramchandra Khemundu lodged a police complaint against the duo.

“Fertiliser worth Rs 25 lakh was procured during kharif season last year but the then MD deposited only Rs 10 lakh for the purchase whereas details about Rs 15 lakh were not submitted,” said Khemundu.

Denying the charges Das however said, “I am not responsible for this alleged misappropriation. If asked, I will produce the required documents to prove my innocence.”

“As per the complaint, the duo sold the fertiliser in retail shops and did not deposit the amount at the LAMPS office. A probe is underway into the matter, said Binaya Kumar Ray, IIC, Pottangi PS.