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Padrauna, Kushinagar. A case of large-scale fraud and fraud in the name of providing benefits of government schemes has come to light in Gram Sabha Jungle Naharchhapra of Padrauna development block. On Tuesday, hundreds of villagers including the Musahar community of the village submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police demanding a fair investigation into the matter and strict action.

The villagers allege that Abhijit Rai, son of Ajit Rai, who had worked as a block motivator under the Swachh Bharat Mission scheme, was a frequent visitor to Ravindra Nagar, Kushinagar and present address Gauri Bazar, Deoria village. He deposited the Aadhaar card, PAN card, election card, photo and other important documents with himself, assuring the villagers of providing them toilets and housing.

It is alleged that later on the basis of the same documents, SIM cards were issued and accounts were opened in Bank of India Padrauna Ramkola Road branch and the ATM card, passbook, check book and SIM card were kept in their possession. Villagers say that they were told that the money from the government scheme will come into the account, so leave the documents with them for safekeeping. The victims allege that hawala money was sent to their accounts and withdrawals were made through ATMs and chequebooks, while they themselves never went to the bank nor made any withdrawals. The matter came to light when notices were issued against some people. The villagers have also expressed apprehension of collusion with the bank employees.

Villagers told that when they reached the accused’s house with the complaint, he was found absconding. It is alleged that his family members also misbehaved and threatened his life and property. BJP Mandal Minister Pappu Pandey said that if the district administration does not take immediate action in this serious matter, then a complaint will be made to the Chief Minister. He said that poor and uneducated people have been trapped by luring them with government schemes, which is a very serious crime. Among those who gave the memorandum, a large number of villagers including BJP Mandal Minister Manoj Kumar Gond, Chandan Pandey, Jitendra Kumar, Chhotalal, Golu, Sunil, Suraj, Champa Devi, Istiaq, Rajkumar, Rita Devi, Poonam, Geeta, Tetri Devi, Phoolmati Devi, Kedli Devi were present.