The head of a BJP-run panchayat in Malda has been accused of stealing funds sanctioned for cleaning and renovation of a primary health centre that had submerged in water during a flood this year.

Shakti Mondal, the pradhan of Dakshin Chandipur panchayat in Bhutni, an islet located in the Ganga under the Manikchak block of the district, however, has denied the charge.

On Thursday, scores of residents dwelling in villages under the panchayat demonstrated in the area, alleging that Mondal siphoned a sum of ₹45,000 that was paid for the health centre. They also filed complaints with the BDO of Manikchak and the district magistrate, seeking steps against Mondal.

“As the Ganga flooded different parts of the islet, the primary health centre of Bhutni also got submerged in the water. After the water receded, it was found that the health centre needed to be cleaned and renovated properly. The amount for the job was paid by the administration, The pradhan didn’t carry out any work but withdrew the amount,” said Gouranga Mondal, a resident.

During the flood, doctors, paramedics and other staff posted at the health centre had been running it temporarily from a waiting shed in the area.

“The health centre caters to thousands of people in the islet. It was disappointing that the pradhan took the money instead of cleaning and renovating this lifeline,” said another villager.

Rajesh Saha, the block medical officer of health of Manikchak, said after the flood, they used their own fund to clean the health centre to resume healthcare services.

“We have met the expenses from our fund. The local panchayat has not spent a penny for the work,” he said.

Sources in the BDO office said they are aware of the allegation and looking into it.

Mondal dismissed the charges. “During the flood, we spent some money to clean the health centre. The same money was reimbursed to the panchayat later. The charges are baseless,” he said.