Dahod MGNREGA scam: Minister Bachu Khabad’s another son arrested

After the arrest of Balvant Khabad, State minister Bachubhai Khabad’s son, now the Dahod police have arrested his younger son Kiran Khabad in the alleged MGNREGA scam.

Kiran was apprehended by police early Monday morning on the Vadodara-Halol highway. Authorities confirmed that he is currently being interrogated. Along with Kiran, several other officials have also been arrested, including Devgadh Baria APO Dilip Chauhan, Dhanpur APO Bhavesh Rathod, and Dhanpur Taluka Development Officer Rathva.

According to investigation reports, MGNREGA funds, meant to provide employment to rural poor were allegedly siphoned off through fake projects. These included check dams, borewells, handpumps, and rural roads, which were either never built or grossly over-invoiced.

The tenders for these works were allegedly awarded to firms owned by the minister's sons: Shri Raj Traders and Shri Raj Construction Company.

A Congress delegation that visited the project sites reported massive irregularities and estimated that corruption worth at least ₹71 crore occurred in just two talukas Devgadh Baria and Dhanpur. Officials have mentioned that the total scam may exceed ₹200 crore as further investigation unfolds.

Minister Khabad is facing serious allegations of abuse of power and nepotism, with claims that he directly facilitated the awarding of contracts to his sons’ companies. Critics argue that the scale of the fraud would not have been possible without political backing at the highest level.

A formal written complaint has been submitted to the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, urging strict action and an independent investigation into the matter.