A bizarre fraud case involving names like “Sunny Leone” and “Jonny Sins” has left Chhattisgarh’s Bastar administration in a state of embarrassment. A man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly conspired with an Anganwadi worker to receive fraudulent benefits under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at financially empowering married women.
The Fraud Unveiled
The scheme, Mukhyamantri Matru Vandana Yojana (MMVY), provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible married women. However, Joshi, a resident of Talur village in the Maoist-affected Bastar region, managed to falsely claim the benefits by listing himself as “Sunny Leone,” with the husband’s name humorously listed as “Jonny Sins,” a well-known adult film performer.
Authorities were alerted to the fraudulent activity when the unusual names came to light. Investigations revealed that Joshi had conspired with Anganwadi worker Vedmati Joshi, his neighbor, to submit a fake application for the scheme.
Administrative Actions and Arrests
Upon discovering the fraud, the Bastar administration acted swiftly:
- Virendra Joshi Arrested: Joshi’s bank account, used to receive the fraudulent payments, was frozen.
- Vedmati Joshi Terminated: The Anganwadi worker involved in the conspiracy was dismissed from her job.
- Supervisors Suspended: Project officer Jyoti Mathurani and supervisor Prabha Netam were suspended for negligence in verifying the application.
- Recovery Proceedings Initiated: The government is taking steps to recover the ₹10,000 withdrawn by Joshi since the account was activated in March.
Bastar collector Harish S assured that strict action would be taken against all parties involved, including supervisors and officers responsible for approving the fraudulent application.
A Case of Negligence and Loopholes
The incident has highlighted significant gaps in the verification process of government welfare schemes. The application submitted by Joshi was cleared and verified without proper scrutiny, raising questions about the accountability of those responsible for approving the benefits.
“It’s a clear case of fraud, which requires a thorough investigation,” a police officer stated, emphasizing the need to ensure better checks in the system.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, over 70 lakh married women in Chhattisgarh receive monthly financial aid through online transactions. The scheme, launched as part of the BJP’s campaign promises in the 2023 assembly polls, has been a significant factor in the party’s victory.
However, this fraud case has cast a shadow on the effectiveness and transparency of the scheme.
The Fraudulent Withdrawal
Joshi initially claimed to be a victim of cyber fraud, but investigations revealed he had withdrawn the full ₹10,000 deposited into the fraudulent account. This withdrawal undermines his defense and highlights deliberate misconduct.
Government Response
Following the incident, the administration registered an FIR, sealed the fraudulent account, and initiated recovery proceedings. Officials are also reviewing the verification process to prevent similar frauds in the future.
Public Reactions and Lessons Learned
The “Sunny Leone” episode has become a talking point across the region, drawing attention to the need for stricter monitoring of welfare schemes. It also underscores how loopholes in verification processes can be exploited for financial gain.
The fraudulent case in the Mahtari Vandan Yojana serves as a wake-up call for administrators to tighten the verification process for government welfare schemes. While the swift action by the Bastar administration is commendable, the incident highlights the importance of accountability and robust scrutiny in preventing such misuse of public funds.
