The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI)'s Bantwal unit has called for a comprehensive probe into financial irregularities highlighted in the Bantwal Town Municipality's 2024-25 audit report. Addressing media personnel at the BC Road Press Club, Shahul Hameed S.H., President of the SDPI Bantwal Constituency Committee, emphasized the urgent need to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the reported loss of public funds.
According to Hameed, the audit report, procured through the Right to Information Act, reveals a significant interest burden of Rs. 8,54,528, primarily stemming from delayed Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments. Furthermore, the report flags various objections concerning the municipality's tender processes. Hameed urged authorities to initiate an investigation under the direct supervision of the District Commissioner and the Department of Urban Administration, ensuring swift action against any proven wrongdoing.
Beyond the audit's findings, the SDPI also pressed for greater transparency regarding major infrastructure initiatives. The committee demanded full disclosure on the grants, expenditure, and work progress for the previous drinking water project, valued at approximately Rs. 153 crore, as well as the ongoing Amrut 2.0 project, which carries a cost of Rs. 36.91 crore.
The party also highlighted a range of persistent civic issues affecting Bantwal residents. These include chronic water scarcity, frequent pipeline leakages, severe traffic congestion on BC Road, and concerns regarding accident prevention, parking facilities, and pedestrian safety. Effective waste management and street lighting deficiencies also featured prominently in their demands for permanent solutions.
To ensure prompt action, the SDPI leadership insisted that a preliminary review report addressing the audit objections be made public within 30 days.
Also present at the press conference were Akbar Ali Ponnodi, SDPI Bantwal Constituency Committee Secretary; Shareef Valavoor, Town Municipality Committee President; Ansar K.H., BC Road City Committee President; and Abdul Rahman, Panemangalore City Committee President.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK