By Mustafa Ali
Rawalpindi:An alleged embezzlement of Rs 1.64 billion from government funds has been revealed in the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).According to sources, the relevant funds were obtained from the 2016-17 Metro Bus Project and other development funds, which were allegedly transferred illegally to various companies.Sources say that the scandal has exposed the weak financial system in the RDA. After an initial departmental inquiry, it has been decided to send the matter to the Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab in the form of a reference, which can also hand over the case to NAB or FIA at its discretion.Sources further said that funds were transferred from RDA accounts to bank accounts of various companies through CDR, which have also been sent to the relevant banks to freeze them.Several retired RDA officers have been summoned in this regard, while more former officers are likely to be summoned. Bank records have been obtained and efforts are underway to collect records of fund transfers in private banks.An inquiry committee headed by the DG RDA is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, and if the funds cannot be recovered, a formal reference will be sent to the Anti-Corruption Establishment.According to sources, a decision has also been taken to implement a foolproof financial system in RDA to avoid such incidents in the future.It should be noted that despite several attempts, RDA Director General Kanza Murtaza could not be contacted in this regard.
