VEO in custody over LIFE scheme fraud: Mother, husband and friends allegedly named as beneficiaries

PATHANAMTHITTA: A Village Extension Officer (VEO) has been taken into custody following a complaint of financial fraud involving the LIFE housing scheme. Rani Lakshmi, an employee of Thannithode panchayat in Pathanamthitta, is in police custody. Police have received information that irregularities were allegedly committed in all three panchayats where she had worked. She is accused of allegedly listing relatives and friends as beneficiaries and diverting scheme funds to their bank accounts.

The alleged fraud came to light following complaints from LIFE scheme beneficiaries that they were not receiving the funds due to them. A subsequent inspection reportedly found irregularities allegedly committed by Rani Lakshmi, the scheme’s implementing officer, following which the panchayat secretary lodged a complaint with the police.
According to the information available, instead of the bank account details of the actual beneficiaries, the account details of Rani Lakshmi’s relatives and friends were allegedly submitted for the disbursement of funds. It was also found that she had included the details of her mother, husband and friends in the beneficiary list.

The police subsequently registered a case against Rani Lakshmi. She was taken into custody under the leadership of the Konni Circle Inspector after police conducted a search at her residence.
Rani Lakshmi took charge as the VEO of Thannithode panchayat in February. Similar irregularities have also been detected in Seethathode panchayat, where she had previously worked.
Police are currently examining all transactions carried out in Thannithode and Seethathode panchayats since Rani Lakshmi assumed charge there.