Ex-patwari held for role in multi-crore fraud

The Fatehabad police have arrested another accused in the multi-crore scam involving fake compensation claims for crop loss during the 2021 kharif season. The accused has been identified as Rajendra Prasad, a resident of Dhani Kajal Heri, who was serving as a patwari at the time and is believed to be one of the key conspirators in the case.

According to a police spokesperson, several farmers had suffered severe crop damage due to natural calamities in 2021. To provide relief, the government distributed compensation in 2022. However, during the distribution process, several officials and employees allegedly prepared fake documents and manipulated records, allowing ineligible individuals to receive compensation. This resulted in a substantial loss to the state exchequer.

Following complaints, an FIR was registered, and investigation was launched. Earlier, one accused, Kamaljeet, had already been arrested. Now, Rajendra Prasad has been taken into custody for allegedly manipulating revenue records and preparing fraudulent claims.

Investigation officer SI Hanuman said tampering with official land records was carried out to falsely show crop loss, on the basis of which the government funds were disbursed.