Two men have been arrested in separate incidents for allegedly drawing financial benefits under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a state welfare scheme meant exclusively for women in West Bengal.
Arrest in Murshidabad
In Murshidabad, Behrampore Police arrested Rakibul Sekh of Sialmara following an FIR lodged by the Block Development Officer (BDO). The arrest came after Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari highlighted Rakibul's case while unveiling the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, claiming an audit had detected 30 lakh fake beneficiaries.
Rakibul, who received benefits for three years, claimed the payments resulted from an administrative lapse and blamed a broker, Mustafijur Rahaman, for handling the paperwork.
Arrest in West Midnapore
In West Midnapore, Chandrakona Police arrested local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and contractual worker Uttam Kumar Sau on charges of conspiracy, cheating, and forgery after social media outrage over his inclusion in the beneficiary list. Police said since 2022, funds were credited to the bank account of Sau's wife, Munmun, though the beneficiary name registered was Uttam.
The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to weed out fraudulent beneficiaries from the system.
