Lucknow: In a significant verdict in a long-running corruption case linked to the Sampurna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), a CBI special court in Lucknow has sentenced two accused to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for defrauding the government of more than ₹1 crore. The court found the former village pradhan and a fair price shop dealer guilty of large-scale financial irregularities and misuse of public funds.
According to a press release issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the court convicted Satya Narayan Prasad Patel, the then village pradhan, and Shahnawaj Alam, the then fair price shopkeeper (kotedar). Both were awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with a total fine of ₹55,000.
Government Suffered Loss Exceeding ₹1 Crore
The court observed that the two convicts, acting in collusion, caused a substantial wrongful loss to the government exchequer by misappropriating funds and food grains meant for rural employment and welfare.
The loss included approximately ₹65 lakh in cash and food grains worth ₹45.26 lakh, fraudulently siphoned off under the SGRY scheme. The scam was unearthed in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, where large-scale manipulation of records and forged documentation was allegedly used to divert public resources.
Case Originated in 2006, Taken Over by CBI in 2008
The case dates back to 2006, when irregularities were first detected and registered at Narhi police station in Ballia as Crime No. 34/2006. Given the scale of the alleged fraud, the investigation was later handed over to the CBI.
The CBI formally registered the case on 31 October 2008, naming 172 accused persons in connection with the alleged misappropriation. The agency alleged that the accused had cheated the government by preparing forged records, showing fake disbursements, and manipulating official registers under the SGRY scheme.
Chargesheet Filed in 2010 After Detailed Probe
Following an extensive investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on 10 November 2010 against three key accused:
- Satyendra Singh Gangwar, then Chief Finance and Accounts Officer, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Ballia
- Satya Narayan Prasad Patel, then village pradhan
- Shahnawaj Alam, then fair price shop dealer
The trial stretched over several years, during which the prosecution relied on documentary evidence, financial records, and witness testimonies to establish the misuse of government funds.
One Accused Acquitted, Two Found Guilty
After completion of the trial, the court acquitted Satyendra Singh Gangwar of all charges, stating that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to establish his role beyond reasonable doubt.
However, the court held that the charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal misconduct against the former village pradhan and the kotedar were fully proved. Their convictions were based on clear evidence of falsification of records and illegal diversion of public money.
Strong Message Against Corruption in Welfare Schemes
Legal experts said the verdict sends a strong message against corruption in government welfare schemes, particularly those aimed at rural employment and poverty alleviation.
The SGRY scheme was designed to provide wage employment and food security to rural households. However, corruption at the implementation level has repeatedly undermined its objectives, leading to significant losses to the public exchequer.
CBI Terms Verdict a Major Legal Success
CBI officials described the judgment as an important legal success, underscoring the agency’s commitment to pursuing cases of public fund misappropriation, even when they span multiple years.
The case highlights the critical need for greater transparency, accountability, and monitoring in the execution of government schemes. It also reinforces the role of investigative agencies and courts in ensuring that misuse of public money does not go unpunished.
