Patna, July 26: The state police headquarters has issued Araria superintendent of police Shivdeep Lande a warning for slow pace of investigation in cases related to financial irregularities in the allotment of funds under Indira Awaas Yojana.

The “lapses” on Lande’s part were detected at the police headquarters today during review of cases lodged in various police stations since January 2011 and the follow-up action taken by the police against the accused. Sources said Araria registered 87 cases in which allegations against 401 persons were found to be true. However, investigation was due in 40 cases and altogether 122 accused absconding.

“The cases are pending for investigation despite the fact that chief minister Nitish Kumar had directed the officials concerned to accord priority to the investigation of cases related to financial irregularities in the execution of welfare schemes,” said an officer.

Lande said: “Only seven to eight cases have been lodged since I assumed charge as the SP of Araria. Four cases were pending for investigation. Most pending cases were before I joined.”