UP Chairmen, Members: ACC to probe allegations of rice graft against them

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into corruption allegations against 30 Union Parishad (UP) chairpersons and 64 members.There are allegations against them of misappropriating rice and relief materials allocated for poor during the coronavirus pandemic, said ACC.

Following recommendations of an evaluation committee led by ACC Director General AKM Sohel, the commission has decided to initiate an inquiry, ACC Public Relations Officer Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya confirmed yesterday.

ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood said they have already filed 21 cases against the UP chairmen and members for their alleged involvement in corruption in social safety programme.

"Many have already been arrested and investigation is being continued," he said, hoping that everyone will perform their duties with utmost honesty in this critical time.

So far ACC has filed 21 cases over misappropriation of rice and relief. In most cases, UP chairpersons and members were made accused.

The 30 UP chairpersons and 64 members have already been suspended by the Local Government Division.In  the primary inquiries, the division found their involvement in the  misappropriation of rice and other aids.

Mustakim Billah Faruqui, joint secretary (UP division) at LGD, said they have suspended the UP chairmen and members on the basis of report from local administrations. LGD also show-caused them. "If their reply is found non-satisfactory, actions will be taken against them as per law," he said.

According to the section 34 (4)(b) of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act, 2009, an UP chairperson and member would be removed if he or she is found guilty for anti-state activities, corruption, misconduct or moral degradation.