Bandipora, Apr 15 (KNS) : Residents of the village Badibeth Pethkoot in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district have alleged serious irregularities in the execution of development works, claiming misuse of public funds and diversion of construction material intended for community infrastructure.

 

Raja Begum, a resident, said that inadequate infrastructure has made daily life increasingly difficult for villagers. She highlighted that people are forced to use unsafe pathways, while damaged drainage systems and weak embankments continue to pose significant risks.

 

“Despite raising the issue several times with the concerned authorities, no concrete action has been taken,” she said, urging officials to intervene at the earliest.

 

Echoing similar concerns, former Sarpanch Abdur Rashid Pathan pointed to alleged discrepancies in a development project worth ?5 lakh, which included the construction of a protective bund and the installation of crates.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe claimed that the work was not executed as planned and that the construction material meant for the project was diverted to another location.

 

Pathan further alleged that the Panchayat Secretary withdrew the funds allocated for the project and utilised the material elsewhere. He noted that the matter was discussed during a Gram Sabha meeting held in April, but no resolution has been achieved so far.

 

He also expressed concern that senior officials, including the Block Development Officer (BDO) and sub-divisional authorities, might not be fully aware of the alleged irregularities.

 

Demanding transparency and accountability, the villagers have called for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter and strict action against those found responsible. They warned that if prompt steps are not taken, they will escalate the issue to higher authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor.

 

Meanwhile, the BDO Bonakoot stated that the matter would be looked into. (KNS)