Panchmahal Education Scam: ₹2.77 Crore Grant Embezzlement Alleged, DPEO Among Accused

 A police affidavit filed before the court has revealed serious allegations of financial irregularities in the Panchmahal District Primary Education Department, with investigators so far uncovering an alleged embezzlement of ₹2,77,79,816. The investigation has named District Primary Education Officer and District Project Co-ordinator Gayatriben Patel among those allegedly involved in the case.

According to the affidavit, the amount involved could rise further as the investigation continues.

Purchases Allegedly Shown Only On Paper

The investigation centres on government grants allegedly diverted by showing purchases on paper, while the material was never actually delivered to the concerned offices or schools.

Police have alleged that grant money was transferred directly into the account of J.S. Computers, operated by arrested accused Jitendra Baria.

According to Baria’s statement cited in the police affidavit, whenever government grant money was transferred into his account, 80% of the amount was allegedly handed over to Pujan Joshi and Nitin Patel in the chamber of District Education Officer Gayatriben Patel.

The remaining 20% was allegedly retained by his agency

The affidavit states that although purchases were recorded in official documents, the goods and materials were allegedly never supplied to the department or schools.

₹26.82 Lakh Allegedly Transferred After Employees Were Relieved

The police affidavit also contains allegations concerning an alleged unauthorised transfer made after Pujan Joshi and Nitin Patel had been dismissed from the department.

According to the investigation, at around 12:30 am on January 20, 2026, after being relieved from their duties, the two allegedly obtained the ID, password and OTP of a government bank account.

Police allege that the credentials were then used to transfer ₹26,82,700 into the bank account of Maheshbhai Bhatt’s Sri Ram Enterprises.

The investigation into the alleged embezzlement and the role of the accused is continuing.

Investigation May Reveal Further Irregularities

Police have so far identified an alleged financial loss of ₹2.77 crore, but the affidavit indicates that the amount may increase as investigators examine additional transactions and records.

The case has raised questions over the handling of government education grants and the monitoring of purchases meant for primary schools in Panchmahal district.