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Dahod court grants bail to minister's sons in MNREGA scam

Dahod court grants bail to minister's sons in MNREGA scam

Time of India28-05-2025

Vadodara: The Dahod chief judicial magistrate's court on Wednesday granted bail to Balwant Khabad and Kiran Khabad, sons of minister of state for agriculture and panchayat Bachu Khabad, in connection with the ongoing MNREGA scam.
However, the court is expected to deliver the final verdict on Thursday after considering additional material presented by the investigating officer (IO).
Balwant and Kiran, linked to two firms that supplied materials for MNREGA works without securing official contracts, were arrested on May 17 and May 19 respectively. Both were remanded to judicial custody before filing their bail applications last week.
While the court granted bail on Wednesday, the IO requested more time to submit further evidence. The hearing will continue on Thursday before the court issues its final decision.
The scam, unearthed in a probe by District Rural Development Authority (DRDA), involved illegible firms being given orders for the supply of materials for MNREGA works.

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