Murshidabad, 30 May (H.S.): A shocking case of alleged fraud in West Bengal's popular Lakshmi Bhandar welfare scheme for women has come to light in Murshidabad district. The police have arrested a young man accused of receiving monthly benefits under the scheme through seven different bank accounts.

According to police, the accused has been identified as Tarikul Rahaman, a resident of Osmanpur village under Jotkamal Gram Panchayat in Raghunathganj-II Block of Murshidabad district. He was arrested on Friday night following an investigation into alleged irregularities in the scheme.

Investigators alleged that Tarikul submitted application forms in the names of women but provided his own bank account details, enabling him to receive financial assistance meant exclusively for female beneficiaries under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme.

Police sources said Tarikul's name surfaced during the interrogation of Mostafizur Rahaman, who had earlier been arrested in connection with a similar case. Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed that Lakshmi Bhandar funds were being deposited into seven bank accounts linked to Tarikul. Based on these findings, police arrested him on Friday night. The accused, however, declined to comment on the allegations.

The case has raised fresh concerns about possible misuse of the welfare scheme. In recent weeks, similar complaints have emerged from Murshidabad, West Midnapore, and Rishra, where men were allegedly found receiving benefits intended exclusively for women.

The revelations have triggered questions about whether an organized fraud network may have been operating in parts of the state to siphon off government welfare funds. Questions are also being raised about the role of local and district-level officials responsible for verifying beneficiary documents and bank account details before approving applications.

The police have launched a detailed investigation to determine whether more individuals are involved and whether the alleged fraud is linked to a larger network. Investigators are currently examining bank accounts, application records, and related documents to uncover the full extent of the scam.

The recurring reports of alleged irregularities in the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme have also put the spotlight on the effectiveness of beneficiary verification and monitoring mechanisms within the administration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey