Former acting principal on the run lands in EOW net over ₹2.66 cr embezzlement in UP schools

The accused, identified as Jeet Lal Patel, former acting principal of the ATS Surwal Shahni School in Prayagraj, was arrested by an EOW Lucknow team from the Shankargarh area of Prayagraj on Monday, according to an official statement issued by the agency on Tuesday. The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities and corruption in the four government-run residential schools between the financial year 2018-19 and 2021-22.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested an absconding former acting principal in connection with the alleged embezzlement of more than ₹2.66 crore in four Rajkiya Ashram Paddhati schools run by the social welfare department in Prayagraj, senior officials said on Tuesday.

According to the EOW probe, the accused purchased unnecessary materials without following mandatory quotation and tender procedures, resulting in the alleged misappropriation of ₹2,66,03,807 in government funds. (For representation)

The accused, identified as Jeet Lal Patel, former acting principal of the ATS Surwal Shahni School in Prayagraj, was arrested by an EOW Lucknow team from the Shankargarh area of Prayagraj on Monday, according to an official statement issued by the agency on Tuesday. The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities and corruption in the four government-run residential schools between the financial year 2018-19 and 2021-22.

Following an order from the UP government’s home department, an FIR was registered at the SSIT police station in Prayagraj under sections 409, 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2024. The EOW subsequently took over the investigation.

According to the EOW probe, the accused purchased unnecessary materials without following mandatory quotation and tender procedures, resulting in the alleged misappropriation of ₹2,66,03,807 in government funds.

The investigation found 17 people, including five government employees and 12 private individuals, allegedly involved in the irregularities. Patel was among those identified as being responsible for the alleged offences. The EOW said efforts were underway to arrest Patel, who had allegedly been evading arrest and remaining absconding. He was finally apprehended on Monday in the Shankargarh police station area of Prayagraj.

The agency said the alleged fraud involved showing purchases of unnecessary materials without completing the prescribed quotation and tender process, leading to the diversion of government funds. Further investigation in the case is underway.