Rajbiraj, January 24:

Representatives of several political parties in Saptari district have accused Tahir Hussein, secretary of Gobargatha VDC, of embezzling the VDC’s funds.

Political leaders in the district alleged that Hussein embezzled development funds allocated

for purchasing boats for

operation in Koshi river. The VDC is an island surrounded by Koshi river from all sides and boats are the only means of transportation for the people.

“Though Rs 260,000 was allocated for purchasing boats, Hussein used only Rs 15,000 for the purpose and misused the remaining amount,” the leaders alleged. However, Hussein claimed that a boat was repaired by using the funds and seven boats, which he had purchased, were swept way during the Koshi flood.

Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) leader Kusheshwor Yadav, who is a former chairman of Ward No 2 the VDC, said Hussein misused the funds meant for purchasing seven boats.

Hussein was also accused of embezzling Rs 25,000 meant for salary of a peon and Rs 30,000 meant for construction of classrooms in Sharada Rastriya Primary School in the past.

“However, he had paid back Rs 14,000 after complaints were filed against him in the district administration office,” Yadav said, adding students were forced to attend classes in a cow shed as the construction of classrooms could not be completed.

“Hussein embezzled Rs 260,000 from the development funds of the VDC. We have filed complaints against him in the district administration office and the district police office,” Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party leader Kailu Kurmi said.

Kurmi, Hari Narayan Yadav of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party, Indradev Yadav of Nepali Congress and school headmaster Manoj Nayak filed the complaints.

Meanwhile, Hussein said the charges against him were baseless. “Some persons in the VDC cooked up a case against me after I refused to release the VDC’s funds to them as per their demands,” he added.