DMK Panchayat Chairman dismissed for fraud

TIRUCHY: The Manikandam panchayat chairman of the DMK was dismissed on Sunday following the recommendation of Collector Jayashree Muralidharan.This action came as the charges of misappropriation of funds against him were found to be true.Panchayat chairman A D D Senkuttuvan had misappropriated `121.80 lakh under the guise of carrying out public works in the area. He had not followed government procedure in the allocation of funds or project expenditure, said a release from the Collectorate.An explanation was sought from him under section 207 of the TN Government Panchayats Act, 1994. But, he did not provide the necessary explanation in the stipulated time. Hence, the Tiruchy RDO was instructed to ascertain the opinion of other panchayat members on the issue and submit a report. As per instruction, RDO S Sangeetha  submitted a report on August 12, based on which,  Senkuttuvan was dismissed, said the release.Two years ago, more than 10 council members, including DMK member Dhamodaran of Manikandam union, petitioned the then Collector T Soundiah about the alleged  fraud by Senkuttuvan. Soundiah found the charges to be true and forwarded a report to the then Chief Secretary.After a change of government in the State, the case was opened and the government ordered a probe.