December 3, 2001	Monday	Ramazan 17, 1422

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SHEIKHUPURA, Dec 2: An amount of Rs3.3 million has allegedly been embezzled in the local Irrigation department (Upper Gogera Branch), it was learnt here on Sunday.

Sources said Faisalabad SE had sanctioned Rs475,000 to carry out repair/maintenance work of junior staff’s residential quarters. But, instead of undertaking work on the project, the funds were misappropriated by four officials of the irrigation department.

Similarly, Rs2 million were allocated for the expected breaches during the rainy season in canals, distributaries and rajbahs. But due to less rains, no breach was reported from anywhere. The work to fill breaches was, however, assigned to construction company owned by two brothers of a clerk.

The sources said although no work was taken in hand, the company succeeded in drawing the payment from the government exchequer.

They further said during the month of June some development work amounting to Rs0.8 million had also been shown completed through bogus bills by the same company.

LOOTED: A mini-bus was looted by three highwaymen near Nangal Sadan on the GT Road on Sunday.

The mini-bus was on its way to Gujranwala from Lahore. Near Nangal Sadan, robbers intercepted the vehicle and deprived passengers of cash and other valuables. They also beat up Gul Jan and Tahir Gul for holding them out.

Muridke Saddar police are investigating the matter.

Another mini-bus was looted by two robbers near Katchi Kothi stop late Saturday night.

The mini-bus was going to Faisalabad from Lahore when robbers in the guise of passengers stood up and asked the driver to take the vehicle towards Walgon Suhail. In the meanwhile, they relieved passengers of cash and valuables and escaped in the darkness.

Manawala police are looking into the matter.

SNATCHED: Two robbers early Sunday morning snatched a motorcycle while its rider was critically injured on resistance.

Atif Raza was going to Khalid Road by his motorcycle (SAB-637) when he was intercepted by robbers.

A-Division police have registered a case.

A car (LHJ-9496) owned by Bilal was stolen from near Bilal Medical Store on the Sargodha Road.

A-Division police are investigating.