Kendrapara, Oct. 24: A decade after 1999 super cyclone flattened this township, the vigilance wing of state police has framed charge-sheet against the then Kendrapara Municipality authorities in connection with reconstruction grants bungling.

In the aftermath of super cyclone, allegations flew thick and fast that there was virtual plunder of post-cyclone restoration and reconstruction grants sanctioned to Kendrapara urban areas.

There was generous flow of grants both from the state and centre to rebuild the ravaged town.

“Prima facie evidence of funds misappropriation is now established. Of the Rs one crore accrued from various agencies, an estimated Rs 40 lakh has been found out to have been embezzled,” said deputy superintendent of police, Kendrapara vigilance wing.

Yesterday charge-sheet was filed against six accused civic body authorities including the then municipality chairman. Prabir Kumar Mohanty, two junior engineers and ministerial employees of the municipality. The then municipality executive officer was held guilty of fund misappropriation. But the charge-sheet did not figure his name as he has expired, vigilance DSP Samantaray informed.

The accused persons would face trial under various provisions of prevention of corruption act. The vigilance wing of state police responding to widespread charge of fund bungling had taken up the cyclone grants scam on 2002. Some of the vital records and documents were wilfully destroyed by accused persons to hush up the case, said vigilance wing officials.

Central grants over Rs one crore were sanctioned for reconstruction of damaged educational institutions, markets, roads and drainage and sewerage systems. modus operandi of corrupt civic personnel was simple. Funds were gobbled up against fictitious bills and payment vouchers, added vigilance police officials.