CB-CID begins probe into fund fraud

CHIDAMBARAM: The CB-CID police on Tuesday began an inquiry into misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 1.23 crore reported in the Chidambaram municipality during 2004-2010.During an audit conducted last year it was found that Rs 1,22,41,773 was allegedly swindled. Based on a complaint filed by the then commissioner of the municipality Mariyappan the district crime branch registered a case against the then cashier of the municipality Balu for misappropriation of funds. Meanwhile, Balu obtained bail from the court.Following this, Chidambaram MLA K Balakrishnan and councilors demanded CB-CID inquiry into the matter. Balakrishnan also handed over a petition to the Chief Minister in September last year seeking CB-CID probe. A resolution was also passed in the municipality demanding CB-CID probe.The government on April 23 this year ordered for the CB-CID inquiry and subsequently the case was transferred in May. On Tuesday, CB-CID sleuths began their inquiry. They questioned 19 staff of the municipality who worked during that period.