Vellore Red Cross office reopens with new head

Chennai

Revealing this to DT Next, Shanmuga Sundaram said “to ensure total adherence to Red Cross rules and norms, three government officials have been made part of the 12-member board. Thus Vellore RDO was nominated branch chairman, while the CEO was made joint secretary and the Collector’s PA (general) a member.

It may be recalled that Red Cross office, the working women’s hostel run by it and the Seva Samaj on Fort Round Road were all sealed after Shanmuga Sundaram conducted one on one interviews with all members. On Thursday, all three facilities were reopened.

“When I accosted former secretary Indernath with evidence of misfeasance he surrendered,” the Collector said. “Indernath has been kept out of the new committee while TN Hotels Association president M Venkedasubbu is the vice president, the post he held earlier,” he added.

When officials reopened the offices, the old board with the names of former officer-bearers was removed and a new one kept in its place, officials said. Asked if he would undertake criminal action against those responsible for the organisation’s sad plight, the Collector said “it is not our intention to start a witch hunt, but we will ensure that rules are adhered to.”