Alappuzha DMO canteen under probe; revenue allegedly routed to Left leader’s benami account

Alappuzha, Kerala: Serious irregularities have allegedly been detected in the operation of the canteen at the District Medical Office, raising questions over the handling of its revenue.

The canteen functions from a government building, but its income is reportedly not being remitted to the Health Department or the state government.

Instead, the revenue is allegedly being transferred to a benami account linked to a leader of a Left-affiliated union, according to allegations.

Following a complaint from leaders of the NGO Association, the District Medical Officer has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

The canteen has been operating since 2018. It was widely believed that the Staff Council was responsible for running it. After the change in government, the Staff Council held a meeting recently, and the new members asked for details of the canteen's income and expenditure.

However, the former temporary person in charge reportedly stated that the canteen had no connection with the Staff Council.

When the UDF government came to power, several Left union leaders working at the DMO office were transferred. It was during this period that a temporary person was given charge of the canteen. As a result, questions have now arisen over how the canteen has been operating.

The building in which the canteen functions belongs to the Health Department. The government reportedly also bears the cost of water and electricity. Two employees working at the canteen are also Health Department staff, meaning there are reportedly no major labour expenses for running the canteen.

Payments made online by people purchasing food from the canteen are being credited to an account in the name of a person identified as John Britto. Leaders of the NGO Association have alleged that Britto is a benami of an NGO Union leader.