The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has launched an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of ₹59.8 lakh from the City Armed Reserve (CAR) within Bengaluru’s police department.
The case stems from a complaint by Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) D. Rajalakshmi against former Second Division Assistant (SDA) Prashanth D. S. and retired AAO Saroja B. Bijapura. According to the complaint, the misappropriation occurred between 2020 and 2023.
An audit by the Accountant General uncovered a shortfall of ₹59,80,839 in lent guard charges for the financial years 2020-21 to 2022-23. Further investigation revealed unauthorized transactions in a Canara Bank account meant for these funds.
Prashanth, who was transferred in 2021, allegedly failed to pass on crucial records to his successor. Despite this oversight, Saroja, the then-AAO, did not take action to address the irregularities. Rajalakshmi accused the pair of breaching trust, causing a substantial loss to government resources.
The investigation is ongoing, with the CCB focusing on the chain of responsibility and possible lapses that enabled the financial discrepancy.
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