LAHORE, Aug 15: An anti-corruption court on Wednesday granted post-arrest bail to Punjab Livestock Department Director General Dr Muhammad Irfan and nine others involved in misappropriation of Rs478 million meant for the establishment of milk processing plants in many districts.

The court released them subject to furnishing of bail bonds of Rs70,000 each.

According to the Anti-Corruption Establishment, a milk processing plant was launched in Layyah district by the Punjab government and Idara-i-Kisan.

The purpose of the project was to enhance milk production in four districts of southern Punjab. The Punjab government chipped in Rs478 million and the Idara-i-Kisan Rs120 million.

However, the Idara with the connivance of livestock and dairy development departments’ officials allegedly misappropriated the project funds.

The ACE registered an FIR against Livestock DG Dr Irfan Zahid, directors Dr Mansoor Ahmed, Dr Abdul Rauf, Idara-i-Kisan chief executive officer Ameeruddin Bokhari, district livestock officers of Layyah, Jhang, Muzaffargarh and Dera Ghazi Khan along with other officials of the department.