SHEIKHUPURA, June 9: Scores of Kharianwala Town residents have alleged officials of a local public health department have embezzled a sum of Rs3 million through fake bills.

Dawn learnt on Saturday a sum of Rs3.5 million was allocated for the construction of rural drainage scheme for the Kharianwala Town. Residents alleged the public health officials had spent Rs500,000 on soiling to hoodwink the higher-ups and people.

They alleged at least Rs3 million had been misappropriated by XEN Zahid Chaudhry who had recently been promoted SE and posted in Multan. The other officials, including SDOs and overseers, were also involved in embezzlement, they alleged.

They demanded the Punjab governor to order an inquiry into the embezzlement.

When contacted, the SDOs and overseers said they were bound to act upon the directions of the XEN.