In a significant development in the ongoing NREGA scam investigation, Dahod police on Monday arrested Manish Patel, a technical assistant posted in Devgadh Baria. This marks the fifth arrest in the case concerning fraudulent billing under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
According to authorities, Patel allegedly submitted bills for two rural development projects in Devgadh Baria taluka, even though the work had not been completed. Police produced him in court and requested a 14-day custodial interrogation; the court granted an 8-day remand.
The scam, initially unearthed through suspicious billing practices, has led to a broader probe. Four other individuals were arrested earlier for their roles in processing and approving questionable bills. These include two account officers, Jayvir Nagori and Mahipal Chauhan, who are accused of authorizing payments for incomplete work and unauthorized material suppliers.
Additionally, gram rozgar sevaks Fulsinh Baria and Mangal Pateliya were detained for allegedly preparing and logging false entries in relation to the same projects.
The Dahod district panchayat had earlier instructed the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to investigate allegations regarding incomplete projects in Redhana and Kuva villages of Devgadh Baria taluka, as well as Simamoi village in Dhanpur taluka.
As the investigation unfolds, further arrests and administrative actions are expected.
