In a shocking revelation from Madhya Pradesh, a new scam has come to light—this time involving the deceased! In Jabalpur district’s Bayakheda Gram Panchayat, MNREGA wages were fraudulently drawn in the names of dead people, raising serious questions about accountability and corruption in rural employment schemes.

The scam came to notice during the construction of a pond under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana. An investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has confirmed the fraud, pointing fingers at the village Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, and the Panchayat Secretary.

Salaries for the Dead—Literally

According to the investigation, names of long-deceased individuals, including Kannu Lal Burman, were entered into MNREGA muster rolls. Payments were then shown as disbursed to these names—complete with forged signatures—while the actual money was allegedly pocketed by the officials.

The EOW revealed that this was not a clerical error but a deliberate conspiracy led by:

• Sarpanch Punnu Kol

• Deputy Sarpanch Rajendra Yadav

• Panchayat Secretary Devshree Yadav

More Fraud Under PM Awas Yojana

The rot runs deeper. The investigation has also uncovered misuse of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Deputy Sarpanch Rajendra Yadav allegedly facilitated benefits for ineligible individuals, including:

• Sushma Yadav, wife of Ramnath Yadav

• His own mother and wife, through other schemes

Police Action Underway

With substantial evidence of forgery, misappropriation, and abuse of public funds, the EOW has registered cases against all the accused. A deeper probe is now underway, and more shocking revelations may follow.

Why It Matters

This case highlights the disturbing ease with which welfare schemes can be manipulated. The fact that dead citizens were shown as laborers is not just an administrative lapse—it is a mockery of the system designed to support the poor and unemployed.