Major Fraud Uncovered in Telangana's Sheep Distribution Scheme

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its probe into the Sheep Distribution and Development Scheme (SRDS) by executing searches at eight locations in Hyderabad. These raids target individuals suspected of embezzling government funds meant for the scheme, which distributes sheep to farmers on a subsidized basis.

Officials disclosed that investigations have identified certain beneficiaries and middlemen through financial trails. While the Proceeds Of Crime (POC) in FIRs amounted to Rs 2.1 crore, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report suggests the government's financial losses could be in the hundreds of crores.

The CAG audit, covering only seven of Telangana's 33 districts, cites irregularities in record maintenance, invoice falsification, and allocation of sheep units to non-existent beneficiaries, estimating a loss of Rs 253.93 crores. When extrapolated to all districts, the total loss is projected to exceed Rs 1,000 crores. This development represents a substantial setback for the Telangana government's initiative, originally intended to support shepherd families by offering livestock with substantial subsidies.

(With inputs from agencies.)