Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 18: Residents of Kolya gram panchayat have leveled allegations against gram panchayat president for misusing funds allotted for the development of Kolya minority colony.

According to the residents, instead of developing the colony, roads that were leading to gram panchayat president Hema M Shetty’s house were concertized.

However, Shetty reacted that the allegations were politically motivated. Meanwhile, locals allege that even though a complaint was lodged with the concerned department regarding misuse of funds, no action has been taken.

“Minority Welfare Department has complained to panchayat member Sulaiman but concerned department has not taken the complaint seriously and worked in favour of the gram panchayat president,” says a resident of the village.

Social activist Azzez B K has also asked more information under RTI. However, so far no response is received, he adds.

The locals are suspicious that other panchayat members have also benefited and hence are not raising their voice with regard to the misappropriation.

Zilla Panchayat member Sarvothoma Gowda has visited the colony to review the issue and assured to provide justice to the minorities and set right the irregularities.