Agitators protesting scam in welfare schemes hospitalised

Bolangir: Eight persons sitting on fast unto death demanding action against persons involved in MGNREGA and PDS rice scam of Turekela block in Bolangir district, fell sick and are critical. They have been admitted to Bolangir District Hospital.

According to reports, in 2016-17 Rs 40 lakh was withdrawn from MGNREGA funds citing to use the amount for land leveling purpose in Mahulpati Panchayat under the Turekela block.

However, through an RTI petition, later it was revealed to be a scam as many withdrawals were in the name of dead persons, government servants and students.

Similarly, another scam related to PDS rice distribution in Mahulpati Panchayat from December 2011 to 2014, was also exposed.

An investigation reportedly launched after the scams were exposed, revealed about the fraud.

As no strict action was taken by the government, locals began protesting in front of Collector's Office in Bolangir since December 20.