EOW arrests former ration shop dealer wanted in scam

Lucknow: The Economic Offences Wing has arrested a former fair price shop dealer wanted in the Jaunpur foodgrain scam linked to alleged embezzlement under a govt rural employment scheme.The arrest was made on Saturday during a special drive launched to apprehend absconding accused in economic offences cases. The accused, identified as Bakhedu, son of Chirkit, resident of Sakhela village in Jaunpur’s Gaurabadshahpur police station area, was wanted in a case registered under various sections.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 work such as drain construction, brick paving, road repairs, earthwork on link roads, 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.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. 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 government exchequer.Evidence established 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.