What Sentences Did a CBI Court Impose on an Ex-Village Pradhan and a Fair Price Shopkeeper?
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Synopsis
A CBI court in Lucknow has sentenced a former village pradhan and a fair-price shopkeeper to 10 years in prison for their roles in a corruption case involving over Rs one crore from the SGRY scheme. This case highlights significant irregularities and misuse of public funds intended for rural development.
Key Takeaways
- 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the convicted individuals.
- Misappropriation of over Rs one crore under government scheme.
- Highlighting the importance of accountability in public service.
- The case underscores the need for transparency in government funding.
- Emphasis on protecting resources meant for rural welfare.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) A special CBI court situated in Lucknow has handed down a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment to two individuals -- a former village pradhan and a fair-price shopkeeper -- in a significant corruption scandal involving the misappropriation of more than Rs one crore under the Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojna (SGRY), as reported by the agency on Friday.
This ruling was announced on Thursday. According to an official statement, the court found Satya Narayan Prasad Patel, the former village pradhan, and Shahnawaj Alam, the fair-price shopkeeper (kotedar), guilty and imposed a total fine of Rs 55,000 on them.
The court determined that they were responsible for causing a wrongful loss to the government treasury by misappropriating cash and food grains that were meant for rural employment and welfare programs.
The case traces back to 2006, when an FIR was lodged at the Narhi Police Station in Ballia district, citing extensive irregularities in the distribution of SGRY funds.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case on October 31, 2008, and initiated proceedings against 172 individuals, including officials tasked with executing the scheme at both village and district levels.
Investigators uncovered that the accused caused a wrongful loss of Rs 65 lakh in cash and misappropriated food grains valued at Rs 45.26 lakh, creating forged documents and employing fraudulent methods to divert resources intended for the rural impoverished.
“The allegations indicated that the accused had inflicted a wrongful loss on the government amounting to Rs 65.00 lakh in cash and food grains worth Rs 45.26 lakh, securing corresponding benefits through cheating, fraud, and the creation of forged documentation under the Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojna (SGRY),” stated the CBI in its press release.
After a thorough investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet on November 10, 2010, against three individuals: Satyendra Singh Gangwar, the then Chief Finance and Accounts Officer of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Ballia; Satya Narayan Prasad Patel; and Shahnawaj Alam.
Following the trial, the CBI court convicted Patel and Alam, but acquitted Gangwar of all allegations.
Point of View
This verdict serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of accountability in public service. The misuse of funds intended for the rural poor is not just a legal issue but a moral one that affects the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that we uphold integrity and transparency in governance, ensuring that resources reach those who need them the most.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the convicted individuals?
The individuals were charged with misappropriating over Rs one crore under the Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojna (SGRY), causing wrongful loss to the government.
What was the outcome of the trial?
The trial resulted in the conviction of Satya Narayan Prasad Patel and Shahnawaj Alam, who were sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
What is the Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojna?
The Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojna (SGRY) is a government program aimed at providing employment and improving livelihood in rural areas.
When did the case originate?
The case originated in 2006 when an FIR was registered at Narhi Police Station in Ballia district, highlighting irregularities in SGRY distribution.
How much financial loss was caused by the accused?
The accused caused a wrongful loss of Rs 65 lakh in cash and misappropriated food grains worth Rs 45.26 lakh.
