Kanker, Chhattisgarh | In a significant development in an 18-year-old alleged MNREGA corruption case, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Chhattisgarh, has filed a 6,000-page chargesheet against eight former government officials, including the dismissed former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kanker District Panchayat. The chargesheet was submitted on Monday before the Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act), Kanker, following an extensive investigation into alleged financial irregularities during the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in 2006–07 and 2007–08.
The investigation alleges that the accused caused a financial loss of ₹1,69,14,247 to the government through irregular procurement practices and violations of established purchasing procedures.
Alleged Irregularities in Procurement
According to the EOW investigation, funds allocated under MNREGA were used to procure items such as:
- Flex boards
- Muster roll verification sheets
- Employment Guarantee Scheme guidebooks
- Employment registers
- File covers
- Other administrative materials
Investigators allege that these purchases were made without following the prescribed tendering and procurement procedures.
The probe further claims that the then District Panchayat CEO conducted centralized procurement at the district level, despite procurement authority legally resting with Janpad Panchayats and Gram Panchayats under the applicable rules.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Conspiracy
The EOW stated that the investigation found evidence suggesting that the former District Panchayat officials and the Chief Executive Officers of seven Janpad Panchayats allegedly acted in collusion, violating provisions of:
- Chhattisgarh Panchayat (Material and Goods Procurement) Rules
- Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules
- Other government procurement regulations
The agency alleges that these violations resulted in an estimated financial loss of ₹1.69 crore to the state government.
Extent of the Alleged Financial Loss
According to investigators:
- District Panchayat Kanker allegedly recorded irregularities worth ₹39.90 lakh.
- The seven Janpad Panchayats together allegedly accounted for irregularities totaling approximately ₹1.29 crore.
- Koilibeda Janpad Panchayat reportedly recorded the highest alleged irregularity, amounting to ₹51.98 lakh.
Previous Cases Against Main Accused
The EOW also stated that the principal accused is already facing two additional corruption-related cases involving allegations of misuse of official position.
According to the agency, final investigation reports and chargesheets have already been filed in those separate cases before the competent courts.
Charges Filed Under Anti-Corruption Laws
In the present case, the chargesheet has been filed against all eight accused persons under various provisions of:
- The Prevention of Corruption Act, and
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC)
The matter will now proceed before the Special Court, where the evidence presented by the prosecution will be examined in accordance with legal procedures. At this stage, the filing of the chargesheet represents allegations by the investigating agency, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.
American Experts Comment
David Wilson, an American anti-corruption policy analyst from Washington, D.C., said that pursuing long-pending corruption investigations is essential for public accountability.
“When investigative agencies continue examining financial misconduct regardless of how much time has passed, it reinforces the principle that public officials remain accountable for the use of taxpayer funds.”
Meanwhile, Professor Emily Carter, an American expert in public administration from New York, emphasized the importance of transparent procurement systems.
“Public procurement requires strict compliance with established procedures. Competitive bidding, financial oversight, and independent audits are fundamental safeguards that help maintain public confidence in government spending.”
What Happens Next
With the 6,000-page chargesheet now before the Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act), Kanker, the court will determine the next procedural steps, including consideration of the charges and commencement of trial proceedings.
The case marks one of the most significant developments in a long-running MNREGA-related investigation in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the continued scrutiny of alleged irregularities in the utilization of public development funds.
