SIT Probes Massive Rs.7.3 Cr MGNREGA Scam in Bharuch

Bharuch, Gujarat —  A massive financial fraud has sent shockwaves through Bharuch district as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to unearth a staggering Rs 7.30 crore scam within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. 

The alleged irregularities, spanning 56 villages across the district, have triggered an intensified investigation, with initial complaints lodged against two Veraval-based agencies, Jalaram Enterprises and Muralidhar Enterprises, along with several contractual outsourced employees.

The gravity of the situation has prompted immediate and decisive action. “This is a serious breach of public trust and a blatant misuse of funds meant for the upliftment of our rural communities,” stated a senior police official close to the investigation. “The SIT has been formed to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into every aspect of this elaborate fraud.”

The newly formed SIT has wasted no time in swinging into action, particularly focusing on Hansot taluka. Comprising six experienced police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP), a Police Inspector (PI), and a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), the team has already commenced investigations in four Hansot villages: Samli, Sunevkalla, Kantiyajal, and Anklav. 

Under the direct supervision of DYSP Anil Sisara, with PI R.M. Vasava as the Investigation Officer, the team is diligently conducting ‘Panchnama’ proceedings to gather crucial on-site evidence.

The alleged scam involves the passing of false bills for road and path construction work under MGNREGA, leading to the fraudulent siphoning of Rs 7.30 crore. 

Complaints of these irregularities have primarily emerged from the Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot talukas of Bharuch. The police are now focused on an extensive exercise to collect robust documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations. The initial complaint that triggered this widespread investigation was formally registered at the Bharuch Divisional Police Station.