Seventeen Family Members Accused of Fraudulently Availing Disability Benefits in Rayagada
Chandra Bhanu Singh
, (Bureau chief Southern Odisha)
Rayagada, March 7, 2025 – In a shocking revelation, the Rayagada district administration has uncovered an alleged large-scale misuse of government funds, where seventeen members of a single family have been accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits meant for disabled individuals. The revelation came to light during a joint complaint presentation held today.
Authorities have identified that these individuals, despite not being disabled, were receiving various government benefits under disability welfare schemes in Bisamcuttack block of Rayagada district. The issue was formally brought to attention through a written complaint by a resident, Sudhakar Korakara, from the village of Bishamakotak.
According to the complaint, the accused individuals managed to acquire fraudulent disability certificates, thereby gaining access to social security programs, educational benefits, and other government aid meant exclusively for people with disabilities. The names listed in the complaint include:
Bhikari Bag (Father: Jobind Bag)
Anath Bag (Father: Jobind Bag)
Bhenkateshwar Bag (Father: Anath Bag)
Bhumik Bag (Father: Anath Bag)
Amit Bag (Father: Anath Bag)
Trinath Bag (Father: Jobind Bag)
Dipin Bag (Father: Trinath Bag)
Mantu Bag (Father: Shiv Bag)
Nitu Bag (Father: Somnath Bag)
Malati Bag (Master: Anath Bag)
Sukanti Bag (Master: Trinath Bag)
Gulapi Bag (Master: Somnath Bag)
Basanti Bag (Master: Ajit Bag)
Lakshmi Pani (Master: Narendra Pani)
Lemon Bati Pani (Master: Budu Pani)
Bulu Takari (Father: Buti Takari)
Jayanti Bag (Father: Gobind Bag)
The complaint suggests that these individuals have been availing benefits in the education sector for several years, depriving genuinely disabled beneficiaries of their rightful entitlements.
Local residents have voiced their concerns and demanded an immediate investigation into the matter. A district-level organization has been formed to examine the complaint and push for necessary action. There is growing pressure on the administration to identify those responsible for facilitating such fraudulent inclusion in disability schemes and to ensure strict measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The district administration has assured the public that a thorough probe will be conducted, and appropriate legal action will be taken against those found guilty. Authorities have also pledged to review the process of disability certification to prevent further misuse of government welfare programs.
This incident has sparked widespread discussions in the region, with citizens urging the government to safeguard welfare schemes from exploitation and ensure that benefits reach only the deserving individuals.
