Case against two for embezzlement of agricultural research

Pune police today registered a case against two researchers for allegedly siphoning off a grant of about Rs 9 lakh given by the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
The two were identified as Anita Deshmukh and Anand Karandikar, who were directors and research scientists of 'Institute of Relevant Research'. They have not been arrested.
A case was registered under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 34 (common intention) of IPC.
The complaint was lodged by Purushottam Rajani, an official from Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, at Chatushringi police station here.
Between 1996 and 1999, Deshmukh and Karandikar had received a grant of Rs 8.95 lakh.

"The purpose of the grant was to do research on technology and invention of new varieties of mango and grapes so that farmers can benefit, however, as per the complaint, both the suspects breached the agreement and embezzled Rs 8.95 lakh given to them," said a police officer.