TV
Several Ujjwala beneficiaries in villages under Bahanaga block in Balasore district were allegedly duped by the fraudster in the name of the centrally sponsored scheme.
According to sources, several youths visited Aruhabada, Bishnupur, Abhana, Dolapur and Kalyani villages under the block some eight months ago and collected documents from the beneficiaries for LPG connection at free of cost under Ujjwala Yojana.
Though months have passed, the beneficiaries did not get the gas connection. However, after some days, money got credited to the bank accounts of some of the beneficiaries. When inquired about the transaction at the bank, they were surprised to know that it is subsidy amount which has been credited to their account even if they did not get the gas connection, sources informed.
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Later, they discovered that they had their gas connection at agency at Padhuan under Basudevpur block in Bhadrak district. When the duped beneficiaries approached the gas agency, it allegedly took Rs 1400 from them and handed over gas cylinder, regulator, gas stove and gas pipe.
“Some youths came to our village and asked us to come with Aadhaar cards, ration cards and bank passbooks to apply for new LPG connection under Ujjwala Yojana. They said it would be free of cost and take 3-4 months to get the connection. Later, we received Rs 328 subsidy in our account. The gas agency took Rs 1400 from us,” alleged Rashmi Rekha Jena, a victim.
Sulochana Mohanty, another victim said, “The youths came to the village and took Rs 50 from us for Ujjwala Yojana application. Later, the gas agency took Rs 1350 from us and gave us a gas cylinder, stove, regulator and pipe.”
On the other hand, the district civil supplies officer has said that there is sufficient evidence against the gas agency and necessary action will be taken against it after informing the district Collector about the scam.
“After investigating following the allegations, we have found evidence against the HP gas agency named Suprava. A detailed report has been prepared and it will be submitted before the Collector soon,” said Niranjan Das, Balasore district civil supplies officer assuring necessary action against the gas agency.
