Vadodara: Anti-corruption bureau (ACB) officials unearthed irregularities in building of check dams which could turn out to be a huge scam in Chhota Udepur district. The check dams in question were built in financial years 2012-13 and 2013-14 under Sukhi Reservoir Irrigation Project-2.On Monday, a non-cognizable offence was registered at Chhota Udepur ACB police station in this regard.The irregularities came to light when the intelligence officers of ACB checked documents of 131 weak check dams in the district on September 7 and took random statements of two farmers who were served notices by the department for weak check dams. When the officials took statements of two farmers of Kandewar and Navapura villages of Bodeli taluka, who were among the beneficiaries, it was known that the check dams were never built and everything was only on papers.Later, investigation also revealed that the then officials of the irrigation projects had allegedly forged signatures of those persons who are living in foreign countries and of farmers who are illiterate.According to ACB officials, under the project around 487 check dams were said to be built for which state government had paid 80% of the cost while the remaining 20% had to be paid by a group of farmers who were to benefit from the check dam.ACB officials said that large number of officials could be involved in the irregularities as many branches and departments of district administration were involved in the project from the time the group of farmer applies.ACB officials from Narmada visited the project office in Bodeli on Monday and took possession of files for investigation. Sources also said that many government officials’ statements were also taken.

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