‘Ghost vendor’ in MGNREGA! Lakhs siphoned off in Odisha’s Bolangir 

A massive scam under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has come to light in Bongomunda block of Odisha’s Bolangir district. Following a news report aired on OTV, administrative authorities have launched an investigation, which has started revealing shocking facts one after another.

According to reports, lakhs of rupees were withdrawn under MGNREGA scheme without proper documentation or any actual work being done in the Jhareil Panchayat. The scam appears to involve the use of fake vendors for purchasing materials that were never delivered.

In a startling revelation, one such vendor named Ashok Kumar Sahu, listed in official records, has been identified as a fake. Ashok is actually a supply assistant at the Dedgaon Panchayat and does not own any shop or material supply business. Yet, large sums of money were allegedly withdrawn in his name as payment for materials under MGNREGA projects.

This fraudulent activity raises serious questions about the role of local officials, including the Sarpanch Bharadwaj Gahir and Block Development Officer (BDO) Basanti Sethy, both of whom are now under the scanner.

The scam has sparked outrage among local residents, who are demanding strict action against the accused and a thorough audit of MGNREGA-related transactions in the region.