Dahod, Gujarat – Two main suspects in the highly publicised MNREGA scam in Dahod have been sent to judicial custody. Sanjeev Bariya and Jagdish Bariya were arrested by police and presented in court after their police remand ended. The court ordered both men to be held in judicial custody as investigations continue into the alleged scam involving 71 crore rupees.
The MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scam has shocked many in the region. It is reported that false documents were created to siphon off funds from the government scheme. These fraudulent activities reportedly took place from 2021 to 2025, involving numerous agencies across Dahod district.
The police have been actively investigating the case, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including the sons of state minister Bachubhai Khabad. The minister’s sons, Balvant Khabad and Kiran Khabad, were also implicated in the scandal. Their arrest has raised eyebrows in political circles, leading to a tense atmosphere within the ruling party.
The Dahod police have identified a total of 35 agencies involved in the scam. These agencies are accused of submitting fake bills for work that was either incomplete or non-existent. For example, projects such as soil metal roads and check walls were approved, but the work was only done on paper. Payments were made to these agencies despite them not participating in the tender process.
Jagadish Bariya, one of the arrested suspects, worked as a computer operator under a contract with the Forest Department in Devgad Baria. He has been accused of submitting bogus bills through his agency to illegally acquire government funds. Reports indicate that he purchased multiple JCB machines and invested in properties, raising suspicions about the source of his wealth.
In this ongoing investigation, the police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to uncover the extent of the corruption. The SIT aims to investigate the involvement of government officials who may have colluded with the fraudulent agencies. The scale of the scam could potentially be much larger, with estimates suggesting that the total amount embezzled may exceed 160 crore rupees across various projects.
As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain. How did these agencies manage to receive payments without following proper procedures? What role did government officials play in facilitating this scam? These are crucial questions that the SIT is expected to address.
The public and media attention on this case has been intense. Many residents of Dahod are demanding accountability and transparency in the management of MNREGA funds. They are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such scams in the future.
The Dahod MNREGA scam highlights the vulnerabilities in the system meant to support rural employment and development. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public service and the need for robust mechanisms to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose.
As the case develops, further arrests may occur, and more details about the extent of the fraud are likely to emerge. The people of Gujarat are watching closely, hoping for justice and accountability in this high-profile corruption case.
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