(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
During the year 2013, an inspection of the business premises of a firm dealing with the motor vehicles, Industrial Area, Phase-1, Chandigarh was conducted by the Excise & Taxation Department. It was observed that there were 351 vehicles lying in the Warehouse & Showrooms but the corresponding purchase vouchers were not available. The Excise & Taxation Department, after verifying the documents, released 222 vehicles.
Since documentation with regard to remaining 129 vehicles could not be produced, a penalty of Rs.1.74 crore was imposed. However, subsequently an Officer of the Excise & Taxation Department released these 129 vehicles on submission of 4 post-dated cheques total amounting to Rs.2.15 crore. These 4 cheques were not deposited in the Bank within its validity period and got expired.
(SUBHEAD)The whole matter has been investigated by the Vigilance Department of the Chandigarh Administration. After going through the facts of the case and the investigation report, Dr. Dharampal, Adviser to Administrator-cum-Chief Vigilance Officer has decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings for major penalty against the then ETO. Since the then ETO has already been repatriated to his Parent Department in the Punjab Government, further action for major penalty will be taken in coordination with the Punjab Govt.
Dr. Dharampal, Adviser to Administrator-cum-Chief Vigilance Officer has also decided that considering seriousness of the issue, role & responsibility of the other concerned Officers from the angle of the possible connivance/supervisory lapses will also be examined.
