No action against ex-DGP Behera for diverting Rs 4.33 crore fund

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has validated the action of former police chief Loknath Behera, who was severely criticized by the Comptroller and Auditor General for diverting Rs 4.33 crores allowed for the construction of police staff quarters. The Home Department has issued an order on July 30 with a warning not to repeat this in the future without permission. The action is taken as per the last cabinet decision.

Behera's controversial action was during the previous government. The money was diverted to build the camp office of the Chief of Police, two villas for senior police officers and ancillary offices. This was pointed out by the CAG and was severely criticized by the opposition.

Rs 4.33 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of 30 upper subordinate quarters under the modernization scheme of the police department.