Corruption in Madhya Pradesh: Extensive Scandal Uncovered in the Distribution of Aid Funds
In a series of financial irregularities unearthed across Madhya Pradesh, two patwaris in Maihar district were found to have committed a scam of ₹12,09,300 in the name of distributing drought relief in the year 2017-18. The government recovered the sum, along with a 12% interest, amounting to ₹13,26,116.
Meanwhile, in Sehore district, financial irregularity to the tune of ₹63,58,894 was detected in 26 cases in the Ichawar tehsil. A case was filed against the registered patwari and clerk involved in this case.
The investigation also revealed financial irregularities in three tehsils of Khargone district: Bhagwanpura, Gogawa, and Bhikangaon. The recoverable sum from the concerned officers in these areas was ₹1,47,97,273.
Similarly, in Dewas district, financial irregularity of ₹1,53,17,538 was detected between 2018 and 2021-22. Action was taken against 20 officials, including 18 patwaris and two clerks, in this district. The recoverable sum from the officers was ₹1,47,97,273.
In a shocking revelation, a magisterial probe established that ₹10.92 crore was paid through suspicious vendors in Seoni district's Keolari tehsil. Further, ₹11.64 crore was deposited into the accounts of unauthorised people in cases of snake bite and drowning incidents in the same tehsil.
The guilty officers were suspended following the detection of these financial irregularities.
While a "massive relief scam" in Madhya Pradesh with a detailed list of districts and recovered amounts could not be found in the available search results, a notable scam related to ration distribution during the COVID-19 lockdown was uncovered. The Congress party alleged a ₹60 crore scam involving the distribution of underweight flour packets (atta) to the poor.
It is important to note that financial irregularities have been detected in every district of Madhya Pradesh, indicating a widespread issue. Recovery has been made from guilty officers in some cases, but a consolidated list of districts affected or amounts recovered related to a relief scam is not available from these sources.
The state government is urged to take stringent action against such financial misconduct and ensure transparency in relief distribution to the needy.
- The investigation into financial irregularities in Madhya Pradesh has revealed that such issues are not limited to a single district, as scams have been uncovered in areas like Sehore, Khargone, Dewas, and Seoni.
- Amidst the general news and politics of Madhya Pradesh, a notable scam, involving a ₹60 crore alleged misappropriation of funds during the COVID-19 lockdown while distributing ration to the poor, has been unearthed.
