In a significant case of corruption within the police force, two personnel of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Bareilly were arrested on Thursday for allegedly embezzling government funds amounting to Rs 10.96 lakh. The accused, serving at the 6th Battalion PAC in Pallav Puram, exploited their positions in the accounts section to divert the money over several months.
Details of the PAC Embezzlement Case
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sub-Inspector Mukesh Kumar, 40, who was posted as the accounts officer and hails from Baghpat, and Constable Ashish Kumar, who is in his 30s and is a resident of Shamli. According to police officials, the duo systematically transferred money from the official PAC account into Constable Ashish Kumar's personal bank account. This fraudulent activity spanned a period of three to four months before being uncovered.
How the Fraud Was Uncovered
The embezzlement came to light during a routine check conducted by treasury staff. They noticed and flagged repeated large deposits being credited to the same personal account, which raised immediate suspicion. An internal inquiry was ordered by the camp commandant following the detection of these financial irregularities.
The probe revealed a pattern of suspicious transactions. Investigators found several illicit money transfers, including one transaction of Rs 1.86 lakh and three successive transfers of Rs 3 lakh each, all funneled into the constable's account. It was also revealed that Constable Ashish Kumar had previously been shifted out of the sensitive accounts section but was later brought back, a move that facilitated the fraud.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Based on the findings of the internal inquiry, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Pallav Puram police station. Subsequently, both accused were taken into custody. Senior police officials have confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway.
Meerut SSP Dr Vipin Tada informed The Times of India that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. The arrest of serving police personnel for such a brazen financial crime highlights concerns over internal accountability and the safeguarding of public funds within the force.
