Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Saturday raised doubts over the recent arrests of Gujarat Congress Vice President Hira Jotva and his son Digvijay Jotva in connection with an alleged MGNREGA scam.
While acknowledging that action is warranted if wrongdoing is proven, Alvi expressed concern that the arrests could be politically motivated.
“If there is any such scam, then action must be taken against them. However, we cannot trust the governments of Gujarat and India. There is a possibility that he is being pressured to join BJP. The court will decide what is right and wrong,” Alvi told the media.
Arrests Made After Survey Uncovers Irregularities
Earlier in the day, Gujarat police arrested 3 individuals—including Hira Jotva and his son—following an investigation into alleged irregularities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The probe began after suspicions were raised about fraudulent use of government funds during rural development work.
Bharuch Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayur Chawda confirmed the arrests and said the case surfaced after a survey of 11 villages revealed evidence of misappropriation.
“As soon as a doubt arose about an illicit practice in MGNREGA, Bharuch DDO started a primary investigation in 56 villages. A survey of 11 villages showed that government money had been siphoned off,” SP Chawda stated.
Allegations
SP Chawda detailed the nature of the scam, saying the standard 60:40 ratio of material to labor—as mandated under MGNREGA—had not been followed. Additionally, the materials used did not match those billed, indicating deliberate overbilling and possible collusion.
“The material used does not match the bills attached; secondly, the 60:40 ratio was not maintained. The proprietors of Jalaram and Murlidhar agencies are absconding. We found that many more individuals are involved beyond these agencies,” he added.
The probe also uncovered that Hira Jotva had allegedly operated these agencies under proxy names and funneled the embezzled funds into accounts belonging to his relatives.
SIT Formed To Investigate, Key Accused On The Run
A Special Investigation Team, headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, has been formed to pursue leads and track down absconding suspects. Authorities have gathered substantial documentation and site inspection reports indicating substandard or non-existent work billed to the government.
Political Angle Draws Attention
Rashid Alvi’s remarks reflect a growing perception within the Congress that opposition leaders are being selectively targeted through legal action. His comments suggest that the arrests may not solely be about financial misconduct, but could be influenced by attempts to coerce defections to the ruling BJP.
As the case unfolds, the Bharuch police are expected to widen the investigation. Meanwhile, political observers are closely watching how this case will impact the already tense political landscape in Gujarat, especially if further arrests link the case to higher levels of political leadership.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
