Balasore, April 25: The department of fisheries (marine) today suspended its fishery extension officer (FEO) posted at Baliapal and lodged a criminal case against him for allegedly misappropriating funds to the tune of Rs 17 lakh meant for the traditional marine fishermen.

“An FIR has been lodged against him,” said assistant director of fisheries (ADF) marine Sashikanta Acharya.

“A case was registered against Shyamlal Dutta under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating),” said Suresh Chandra Jena, inspector in-charge of Baliapal police station. He said the accused had been absconding.

“Following complaints, we had conducted a probe and found that the officer had pocketed the entire amount of over Rs 17 lakh. The money was to be disbursed among the traditional marine fishermen. The government had sanctioned funds for 730 fishermen for 2007-08 and 2008-09, He had forged signatures of the fishermen and collected the money,” said Acharya.

Every year, the government imposes ban on fishing during the breeding season between April 15 and May 31.

The Union government has introduced “saving cum relief scheme” for the fishermen. Funds are contributed by the government as well as fishermen. A fisherman gets Rs 600 apart from his contribution of Rs 600. It is alleged that the erring official had pocketed the amount meant for two financial years.

Neither he refunded their (beneficiaries) money nor extended the Centre’s aid. Therefore, he had swallowed the entire money of 730 fishermen (Rs 1,200 each) for two years, the department sources said.

Dutta had withdrawn Rs 8.76 lakh and Rs 8.85 lakh for the years of 2007-08 and 2008-09, respectively. The amount for year 2009-10 was yet to be sanctioned.

There are nearly 5,000 such beneficiaries in the district.