Bhubaneswar, March 20 -- Serious allegations of large-scale irregularities have emerged in the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme in Odisha's Bolangir district, with claims that lakhs of rupees were misappropriated using fake beneficiaries.

The alleged fraud has been reported from Jurabandh village under Saintala block, where funds were reportedly withdrawn in the names of labourers who had never worked under the scheme. While genuine job card holders were allegedly denied employment, payments were made to non-existent or inactive beneficiaries, raising concerns over the misuse of public funds.

Villagers have accused a local Gram Sathi, identified as Narasingha Dharua, of orchestrating the alleged fraud. According to allegations, he w...