Fake BPL certificate scam unearthed in Maihar, EOW books six officials

Bhopal: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has unearthed an alleged fake BPL certificate scam in Maihar and registered a criminal case against six government officials and others after finding that 111 ineligible persons were fraudulently included in the Below Poverty Line list and availed benefits under various welfare schemes meant for the poor.According to EOW officials, the irregularities came to light during verification of a complaint received at the agency’s headquarters in Bhopal.The complaint alleged that ineligible persons were included in the BPL list without following the prescribed procedure and that fake BPL certificates were issued, enabling them to secure benefits under government schemes, they said.The probe found that names of ineligible beneficiaries were added to the BPL list without mandatory patwari survey reports and without verification or written recommendation from the tehsildar, officials said.Investigators also found instances where two beneficiaries were allegedly linked to a single BPL serial number, they said.Officials said the irregularities date back to 2018 and allowed beneficiaries to obtain benefits under various welfare programmes meant for economically weaker sections, causing financial loss to the state exchequer.The EOW said preliminary findings indicated that the BPL list was not maintained in accordance with guidelines issued by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.

Investigators alleged that the prescribed procedure for inclusion of beneficiaries was bypassed, facilitating the issuance of fraudulent BPL certificates, they said.Based on the findings, the agency has registered a case under sections related to cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.The case has been registered against six serving and former officials associated with Janpad Panchayat Maihar and other persons found involved in the alleged irregularities.Further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the fraud, identify additional beneficiaries who may have obtained undue benefits and determine the total financial loss caused to the government.