Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited has dismissed senior accountant Keshavendra Dwivedi from service after a departmental inquiry found serious financial misconduct in an alleged embezzlement case involving nearly ₹7 crore. Authorities have also ordered accelerated recovery of the remaining ₹3.76 crore, while about ₹3.13 crore has already been recovered through various proceedings.
The case relates to funds linked to the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme. According to the inquiry, money meant for an executing agency was allegedly diverted into a personal bank account instead of being transferred for electrification work.
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Funds Meant for Electrification Work Diverted
Records show that on March 27, 2004, around ₹6.90 crore was scheduled to be transferred to Hyderabad-based NCC Limited for work under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme. Investigators allege that the payment did not reach the intended agency and was instead routed into an individual bank account.
The alleged irregularity surfaced after banking officials noticed an unusually large deposit in a personal account and alerted the electricity department. Around the same time, the executing agency reported that it had not received the expected payment.
These developments led to an internal review, followed by departmental and criminal proceedings. Investigators examined banking records, transaction histories and financial documents to trace how the funds were moved and whether others had a role in the alleged diversion.
Money Trail Linked to Family Accounts
During the inquiry, officials found that portions of the allegedly embezzled amount were transferred to bank accounts belonging to close family members and relatives. A substantial share was allegedly routed to the account of Dwivedi’s wife, who is also employed in the electricity department as an accountant.
Investigators also reviewed property-related records and found that significant amounts were allegedly invested in real estate. Multiple residential properties, flats and other assets linked to family members came under scrutiny during the probe.
Authorities suspect that the diverted funds were used to acquire high-value properties, luxury vehicles and support an extravagant lifestyle. The department is now examining assets linked to the case as part of the recovery process.
Recovery Proceedings Intensified
Following the discovery of the alleged fraud, departmental authorities suspended the employee and initiated criminal proceedings. Officials said Dwivedi reportedly remained out of reach for several months during the investigation before surrendering before a court.
He spent several months in custody before securing bail. Authorities stated that after his release, he did not return to duty, further complicating the departmental proceedings.
The dismissal order follows the findings of the detailed inquiry. The department is now focused on recovering the remaining funds, identifying assets linked to the alleged misconduct and strengthening internal oversight mechanisms to prevent similar financial irregularities involving public money.
