A Mother-of-All ₹1000 Cr Scandal: ED on T’gana Sheep Scam
The Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme, launched by the ruling BRS government to uplift shepherd communities, has turned into a massive ₹1,000 crore scandal. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a web of deceit, including massive fund diversion, fake beneficiaries, and mule accounts linked to illegal betting. The scam has sent shockwaves in the political circle, with former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav coming under scrutiny.
The Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme was introduced in 2019 with the goal of improving the livelihoods of shepherd communities by providing them with financial assistance, training, and infrastructure development. The scheme was touted as a game-changer for the state’s rural areas, where shepherd communities are a significant portion of the population. However, it appears that the scheme was exploited by corrupt officials and middlemen, leading to the massive embezzlement of funds.
According to the ED, the scam involves siphoning off funds meant for the welfare of shepherd communities and using them for personal gain. The agency has identified several fake beneficiaries, who were given money and other benefits under the scheme without actually being eligible. The ED has also found that some beneficiaries have used the funds to invest in illegal activities such as betting and gambling.
One of the key accused in the scam is former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who was handling the sheep rearing scheme when it was launched. Yadav has been accused of misusing his position to allocate funds to his close associates and family members. The ED has seized several properties and assets linked to Yadav and his associates, worth tens of crores.
The ED has also found that the scheme was used as a conduit to launder money and fund illegal activities. The agency has identified several mule accounts, which were used to transfer funds to shell companies and individuals involved in illegal activities. The ED has seized over ₹500 crore in cash and assets from these accounts, which is believed to be a fraction of the total amount embezzled.
The Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme scam has sparked a political storm in the state, with the opposition parties demanding the resignation of the state government. The ruling BRS party has come under severe criticism for its handling of the scheme, with many accusing it of being complicit in the scam.
The opposition parties have also accused the government of trying to cover up the scam, citing the lack of transparency and accountability in the scheme. The ED’s investigation has been criticized for being slow and inadequate, with many calling for a more thorough probe into the scam.
The Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme scam is not the first major scandal to hit the state government in recent years. In 2020, the ED had unearthed a ₹10,000 crore scam involving the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), which was accused of embezzling funds meant for the welfare of employees. The scam led to the resignation of several top officials and the arrest of several people.
The Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme scam is a stark reminder of the need for effective governance and accountability in the state. The government needs to take concrete steps to ensure that such scams do not happen in the future. This includes increasing transparency and accountability in government schemes and programs, as well as taking strong action against those involved in the scam.
In conclusion, the Telangana Sheep Rearing Scheme scam is a mother-of-all scandals, involving massive fund diversion, fake beneficiaries, and mule accounts linked to illegal betting. The ED’s investigation has uncovered a web of deceit, and several high-ranking officials, including former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, are under scrutiny. The government needs to take concrete steps to ensure that such scams do not happen in the future and that those involved are brought to justice.
