The modus operandi, the officer said, differed from place to place and it was not a centralised fraud. (Reuters)
The findings of a CB-CID probe into the PM Kisan scheme scam in Tamil Nadu suggest that fraudulent elements, most of them backed by local politicians, looted money from several other welfare schemes too.
The investigators have also found that some listed beneficiaries, including poor farmers and farm labourers, did not receive any money and had not even heard about the scheme. The fraudsters, the probe found, collected documents from them to create bank accounts in their names without their knowledge.
READ | Tamil Nadu: Not just PM-Kisan, fraudsters may have targeted other schemes too
During the lockdown, a senior officer investigating the case said, loan fests were organised by local leaders of political parties, including BJP and the ruling AIADMK. At these events, people were promised loans and financial benefits from the state and central governments.
Also Read | This Plastic Wall in Tamil Nadus Nilgiris helps prevent landslides
With three students taking their lives a day before Sundays NEET exam, top actor Suriya was among those who issued statements condemning the situation in Tamil Nadu over the controversial competitive examinations. But certain portions of the popular Tamil actors statement have now kicked up a storm with a Madras High Court judge calling for judicial contempt action and senior retired judges lining up in support of the star.
READ | Explained: Why Tamil actor Suriyas remarks on NEET are being scrutinised for contempt of court
The statement had a portion referring to the judiciary: Courts were delivering justice through video-conferencing due to life-threatening coronavirus fears (but) are ordering students to fearlessly go and write the exams. This offended Justice S M Subramaniam who wrote to the Chief Justice A P Sahi for initiating contempt proceedings against Suriya. Justice Subramaniam wrote that the statement claims Honble Judges are afraid of their own life and rendering justice through video conferencing. While-so, they have no morale to pass orders directing the students to appear for NEET Exam without fear.
Tamil Nadu Chennai Coronavirus September 16, 17 Highlightsread more
Tamil Nadu Chennai Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases cross 5.2 lakh as Tamil Nadu records 5560 fresh cases
