Corruption Allegations Surface: Sarora Gram Panchayat, Tilda Block (Baloda Bazar Assembly)
Massive fraud involving fake bills causing losses of lakhs to the government; talks of a No-Confidence Motion intensify.
Exposé on GST evasion through the nexus of Secretary and Sarpanch; development work exists only on paper.
Gram Panchayat Sarora, under the Janpad Panchayat, is currently making headlines due to corruption and financial irregularities. A case has come to light regarding the embezzlement of government funds through the submission of fake bills for development projects. It is alleged that the collusion between the Sarpanch and the Secretary has led to not only the misuse of public funds but also the blatant theft of thousands of rupees in GST revenue.
Payments to Fictitious Firms
According to sources, bills from firms that do not exist on the ground have been submitted for various construction projects and material supplies in the Sarora Gram Panchayat. Many bills lack GST numbers, while others contain suspicious ones. Local villagers and several panchs (ward members) allege that payments are being withdrawn at inflated prices through fake bills, either without purchasing materials at all or by using sub-standard materials.
Massive GST Theft
According to regulations, a valid GST bill is mandatory for any government payment. However, a different "game" is being played in Sarora. Allegedly, by using "informal receipts" (kacha bills) and letterheads of fake firms, the government’s tax system is being bypassed. Consequently, while the state treasury suffers revenue losses, the Secretary and Sarpanch are reportedly lining their own pockets.
Accountability Under Scrutiny
Surprisingly, this practice has been ongoing for months right under the noses of block-level officials, yet no action has been taken. Villagers have now decided to escalate the matter to senior officials and the district administration, demanding an audit of the Panchayat’s accounts and bills to ensure strict action against the culprits.
"If an impartial investigation is conducted, an embezzlement of lakhs of rupees could be uncovered in Sarora Gram Panchayat. The government is being defrauded through fraudulent billing," stated the panchs and residents of the village.
Official Response
It remains to be seen what steps the District Panchayat CEO and the Janpad administration will take now that the news and complaints have surfaced. Regarding this matter:
CEO, Janpad Panchayat Tilda & CEO, Zila Panchayat Raipur: Stated that an investigation will be conducted, necessary action will be taken, and the guilty will not be spared.
Sarpanch and Secretary: Attempts were made to contact them for comment, but they were unavailable.