10 talathis suspended in Jalna farmer compensation scam, FIR likely
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Jalna district administration suspended 10 talathis on Friday for their alleged involvement in misappropriating Rs 34.97 crore of crop compensation meant for farmers.
This action follows the findings of a govt-appointed probe committee that identified significant irregularities in how the aid was distributed.
Jalna district collector Shrikrishna Panchal verified the suspensions and said additional disciplinary actions are in progress. "Showcause notices were earlier issued to all the officials named in the report. Based on their replies and the severity of charges, we have suspended 10 talathis so far," he said.
Sources said authorities are considering filing police complaints against the guilty parties. A senior official told TOI: "Departmental action has already started, and the possibility of criminal proceedings, including an FIR, is being discussed at a senior level."
The irregularities came to light during an audit of Rs 79 crore disbursed as crop loss compensation for damage caused by excessive rainfall, floods, and hailstorms in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
This amount was part of a larger Rs 450crore compensation package for the Jalna district. The investigation discovered claims were made even on govt-owned class-II lands.
The investigation revealed that Rs 34.97 crore, from the Rs 79 crore allotment, was misappropriated through fraudulent inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries. The deception involved the manipulation of beneficiary records from Ambad and Ghansawangi talukas, affecting 1.79 lakh farmer accounts.
The investigation extends to gram sevaks and agricultural assistants, with departmental proceedings anticipated. Officials continue to examine the remaining Rs 7 crore from the audited amount, assuring that legitimate farmers will not suffer due to these corrective measures.
BJP MLA Narayan Kuche and former minister Babanrao Lonikar want FIRs to be filed against govt officials at all levels for allegedly diverting funds intended for farmers.
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