MARGAO, June 3 -- The Raia village panchayat is facing trouble as the Directorate of Panchayats has directed the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Salcete to investigate allegations made by a group of panchayat members regarding the purchase of materials worth Rs. 85 lakh, from the grants of the 14th Finance Commission, allegedly done without following procedure.

The directive was issued on June 1, after the issue was brought to the attention of the Directorate of Panchayats and the Minister of Panchayats. The BDO has been instructed to submit a detailed report with supporting documents by June 9, for further action to be taken.

Five panchayat members, including Antonio Xavier Fernandes, Queeny D'Cunha, Minguelina D'Souza, and Manuel R...