Former civic chief gets jail term in 2011 fraud case

In 2011, Dharmalingam (54), the then president of the Nimkiampattu panchayat near Vaniyambadi had collected money from many widows and senior citizens in his village promising them the state government’s monthly pension. 

He had also prepared false documents, forged signature of the then special Tahsildar of Vaniyambadi, Vijayanthimala and handed over the authentic-looking forged documents to those who paid him money. 

When the payees demanded to know why they are yet to get their pension amounts, he pacified them by stating that it would take a few months for the scheme to become active. While they kept on questioning him repeatedly over the prolonged delay in receiving their pension, he dilly dallied which made them suspicious. 

They then approached Special tahsildar Vijayanthimala who on perusing their documents, told them it was a forgery and complained to the Vellore crime branch who registered a case and arrested Dharmalingam.

Magistrate Alicia sentenced him to 2 years rigorous imprisonment and fined him Rs 2000 on Thursday. 

In a separate incident, Vellore food cell police seized a total of 3,750 kilograms of rice meant for the state PDS (Public Distribution System) from two lorries after a chase near Natrampalli on Thursday. 

On a tip off, cops found two lorries parked near a house belonging to one Saravanan, his brother Satish and their friend Dhanasekar in Kutti Goundanur. The cops seized 3250 kgs rice packed in 65 bags from one lorry and 500 kgs rice in 10 bags from another. However, the trio managed to escape.