Arrest Made in Ongoing Anti-Economic Offences Drive
Lucknow: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested a former fair price shop dealer wanted in connection with the Jaunpur foodgrain scam, which involved alleged embezzlement under a government rural employment scheme. The arrest took place on Saturday during a special drive aimed at apprehending absconding accused in economic offences cases.
The accused, identified as Bakhedu, son of Chirkit, a resident of Sakhela village in Jaunpur’s Gaurabadshahpur police station area, was wanted in a case registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and related laws.
Case Details: Irregularities Under SGRY Between 2004-2005
According to EOW officials, the case pertains to alleged irregularities committed between 2004 and 2005 under the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) in Jaunpur district. Development works such as drain construction, brick paving, road repairs, earthwork on link roads, and construction of CC roads and culverts were undertaken in various villages of Dharmapur block.
Labourers engaged in these works were entitled to receive foodgrain, primarily rice, and cash wages. However, investigators alleged that fake muster rolls were prepared by officials responsible for implementing the scheme, and that foodgrain and cash meant for genuine labourers were distributed in the names of fictitious workers.
Role of Accused and Financial Loss
As a fair price shop dealer at the time, the accused allegedly distributed foodgrain on the basis of forged muster rolls, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs 1 lakh to the government exchequer. Evidence established the involvement of five accused persons in the case.
EOW officials said Bakhedu had been absconding and was arrested as part of the ongoing campaign against wanted accused. The investigation continues to trace other absconding individuals linked to the scam.
