Online Fraud Syndicate Busted: 14 Arrested for Misusing Crores in PMFBY Funds
In a major crackdown, the police in Odisha’s Bolangir have dismantled an online fraud syndicate, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals allegedly involved in misappropriating Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima (PMFBY) funds worth crores of rupees. The accused, who are owners of Common Service Centres (CSCs), were apprehended for their role in the fraudulent misuse of these funds through the use of forged land ownership documents.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by the chief district agriculture officer, prompting the Bolangir Police to launch a probe into the matter. Superintendent of Police, Bolangir, Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, confirmed that a case had been registered, and subsequently, four special teams were formed to investigate the extensive fraud.
The district agriculture department alleged that numerous individuals, including operators of Common Service Centres (CSCs), illicitly registered their names on the PMFBY portal for kharif crop and siphoned off PMFBY funds deceitfully. Disturbingly, the investigations revealed that the number of applicants exceeded the actual land ownership pattas of farmers in the district by a significant margin.
Police findings indicated the involvement of 13 CSCs in Bolangir and one CSC in the neighboring district of Kalahandi in the criminal activity. The modus operandi involved the accused retaining scanned copies of the applicants’ documents—such as Aadhaar cards and land ownership records—submitted through the PMFBY portal. The fraudsters would then exploit familial connections or falsely present themselves as sharecroppers, applying for benefits under the PMFBY scheme using the same land documents. Additionally, they resorted to forging patta documents to further their fraudulent activities.
Disturbingly, a single patta document was discovered to have been fraudulently used for claiming insurance money under the PMFBY scheme a staggering 500 to 600 times. This revelation demonstrates the extent and audacity of the online fraud syndicate.
As part of the operation, the police seized crucial evidence, including 16 mobile phones, seven laptops, five printers, 11 CPUs, three monitors, and four fingerprint scanners. Authorities have indicated that further arrests of individuals involved in the scam are imminent, underlining their commitment to bringing the entire syndicate to justice.
The uncovering of this widespread fraud poses a significant challenge to the efficacy and integrity of the PMFBY scheme, intended to safeguard the interests of farmers. The incident calls for enhanced scrutiny, improved security measures, and stringent monitoring to prevent the misuse of funds allocated for agricultural assistance.
The diligent efforts of the Bolangir Police in unearthing this online fraud syndicate serve as a reminder of the importance of robust mechanisms to combat financial misconduct and protect legitimate beneficiaries. Authorities must remain vigilant to prevent such fraudulent activities, ensuring the proper allocation of funds and the provision of meaningful support to the nation’s farmers.
While the investigation progresses and more individuals are brought to justice, the focus must shift towards strengthening the system, refining protocols, and incorporating technological advancements to prevent similar instances in the future. Only through collective efforts can we safeguard the welfare of farmers and promote a more inclusive and accountable agricultural ecosystem.
