In a significant development, authorities have apprehended two individuals allegedly involved in diverting government funds earmarked for the Rythu Bima and Rythu Bandu schemes. The accused, identified as Goreti Srisailam and Odela Veera Swamy, have been taken into custody following a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies.
The case came to light following a complaint lodged by the District Agriculture Officer of Ranga Reddy District. It was revealed that 20 claims under the Rythu Bima scheme, pertaining to the Agiryal cluster in Kondurg Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, raised suspicions. Upon further scrutiny, it was discovered that Goreti Srisailam, an Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) for the Agiryal cluster, had allegedly orchestrated 20 fake claims amounting to a staggering Rs. 1 crore. Additionally, Srisailam and his accomplice, Odela Veera Swamy, were accused of misappropriating funds from the Rythu Bandu Scheme, involving 130 fake pattadars and non-claimants, diverting another Rs. 1 crore from 2019 onwards.
The modus operandi employed by the accused was intricate. Srisailam, leveraging his position as an AEO, manipulated data obtained from the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) through the Rythu Bima and Rythu Bandu portals. He enrolled individuals who were ineligible for the schemes, including those over 60 years of age, deceased individuals, and those without land holdings, submitting their details for fraudulent insurance claims. Moreover, he exploited the system by submitting forged documents, such as death certificates, to facilitate the illicit transfer of insurance amounts to his and his accomplice’s bank accounts.
Similarly, Srisailam colluded with Swamy to exploit the Rythu Bandu scheme, collecting data from the CCLA and falsely claiming benefits on behalf of non-residents and non-claimants. Through this scheme, they siphoned off an additional Rs. 1 crore by redirecting funds to multiple bank accounts, including those opened in various locations across Hyderabad.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Cyberabad, led to the seizure of incriminating evidence, including mobile phones, bank debit cards, fake death certificates, and LIC documents from the accused’s residence. It was also discovered that the ill-gotten gains were used to purchase substantial assets, including agricultural land and plots, registered under Srisailam’s wife’s name, Maheshwari.
The arrest underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to crack down on corruption and fraudulent activities. Inspector A. Sreedhar, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner K. Prasad, is leading the ongoing investigation into the case. The swift action taken by the authorities sends a strong message that those involved in embezzling public funds will be held accountable for their actions.