More skeletons are likely to tumble out of closet in Shaadi Mubarak fraud as Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), investigating the case, has stumbled upon fresh evidence.
Recently, the ACB officials arrested Mohd. Taheruddin, working as a senior assistant in Minorities Welfare Department in Ranga Reddy district, for allegedly siphoning off money from the Shaadi Mubarak scheme.
Inquiry ordered
An inquiry was ordered by ACB Director General A.K. Khan to verify the details of the beneficiaries following allegations that the scheme was being misused. Investigating officials randomly selected some files relating to beneficiaries in each district.
The main charge against Taheruddin was that he had cleared the applications without verifying the facts. His role was crucial since he was the verification officer.
In one case relating to Sultana Begum of Saroornagar, who was shown as a beneficiary of the Shaadi Mubarak scheme, Mr. Taheruddin stated that he had visited her house and found that her claims were correct.
“It was shocking when Ms. Begum told us that she had never applied for the scheme claiming Rs. 50,000 given to a bride,” ACB investigators told The Hindu .
