In a major crackdown on alleged corruption in rural development schemes, Gujarat Congress Vice President Heera Jotwa and his son Digvijay Jotwa have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a ₹7.3 crore scam under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Bharuch district.
🕵️♂️ SIT Uncovers Massive Irregularities
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Bharuch police uncovered fraudulent diversion of funds meant for MGNREGA projects in Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot talukas. The probe revealed:
- Use of forged documents and fake work completion certificates
- Inflated bills and non-existent development works
- Violation of the mandated 60:40 labour-to-material ratio, with material costs shown as high as 80%
🧾 Modus Operandi and Key Accused
According to police, Jotwa allegedly acted as a sleeping partner in two Veraval-based firms—Jalaram Enterprises and Murlidhar Enterprises—contracted to supply materials for MGNREGA works. Funds were reportedly siphoned off through fake job cards, ghost workers, and forged billing, with money traced to accounts linked to the Jotwa family.
Also arrested was Rajesh Tailor, a technical assistant stationed at the Hansot Taluka Development Office, who allegedly created the forged documents at Jotwa’s behest.
🗣️ Political Fallout and Congress Response
The Gujarat Congress has condemned the arrests, calling them “politically motivated”. Party spokesperson Manish Doshi claimed Jotwa was being targeted for refusing to defect from the party, and demanded a judicial probe into the matter.
“Just because the agency owners are known to him doesn’t prove his involvement,” Doshi said, accusing the BJP of selective action.
📌 Background and Legal Action
The scam came to light after a complaint by the District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) and a subsequent audit of 56 villages. The owners of the two agencies involved are currently absconding, while further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
Stay tuned for developments in this high-profile corruption case.
