VISAKHAPATNAM: The main Saukaryam (facilitation) centre at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation came under a cloud after a discrepancy of Rs.50 lakh was found in the property tax collection and the amount deposited in the bank.

While the amount was paid in thousands, one digit was removed later and lesser amount was deposited in the bank. The difference for March and April 2011 between property tax collected and the amount deposited in the bank as reflected in the demand collection balance (DCB) was Rs.50 lakh, according to In-charge Municipal Commissioner Kona Sasidhar who is also Vice Chairman of VUDA. All civic taxes and those for building plans are collected at the main Saukaryam centre.

A criminal case has been filed with the City Police. Simultaneously, a thorough audit of accounts by the District Audit Officer since 2000 and a security audit by NIC will be taken up and until the exercise is completed, the main Saukaryam centre will remain closed.