'Misuse' of Irani's MPLAD funds: 3 Guj officials chargesheeted

The state government has informed the Gujarat High Court that it has served charge sheets to three officials for not following rules in utilisation of MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds of Union minister Smriti Irani.

The Gujarat government has also attached, for recovery of funds, five bank accounts of a cooperative society which was awarded a work under the MPLADS, according to an affidavit.

The affidavit was filed on April 15. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice A S Dave and Justice Biren Vaishnav was hearing a public interest litigation alleging misuse of Irani's MPLAD funds.

The government said it has served charge sheets to then deputy executive engineer A D Rathod, then Anand district planning officer C R Birai and deputy accountant Hina Patel.

The PIL has been filed by Gujarat Congress chief Amit Chavda, the MLA from Anklav in Anand district.

The matter will be further heard on May 2.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said Wednesday that action will be taken .