Mohammed Shami's Relatives Implicated in UP MNREGA Fraud
Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India – April 02, 2025 – Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami's relatives are facing scrutiny as they have been implicated in an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. The probe, initiated following recent media reports, has revealed irregularities in wage disbursements and involved several individuals linked to the fast bowler.
Background: MNREGA Scheme
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is a pivotal rural livelihood policy in India. It guarantees at least 100 days of wage labor to rural households, providing a crucial safety net and contributing to rural development. The scheme aims to enhance rural incomes, reduce rural poverty, and create durable assets in rural areas.
Investigation Details
According to a report by PTI, the District Magistrate (DM) of Amroha, Nidhi Gupta Vats, announced late Wednesday evening that a preliminary investigation has confirmed allegations of fraudulent wage disbursement. Key findings of the investigation include:
- Irregular Wage Disbursement: 18 individuals allegedly received MNREGA wages without performing any work.
- Individuals Involved: Among those implicated are:
- Mohammed Shami’s sister, Shabina
- Shabina’s husband, Ghaznavi
- Shabina’s three brothers-in-law: Aamir Suhail, Nasruddin, and Shekhu
- Sons and daughters of village head Gule Ayesha
- Alleged Central Figure: Gule Ayesha, the mother-in-law of Shami’s sister and current village head, is reportedly at the center of this alleged scandal.
- Timeline of Fraud: Fraudulent entries were registered in MNREGA job cards as early as January 2021, and the implicated individuals reportedly received wages in their bank accounts until August 2024-25.
- DM's Directives: The DM has ordered the following actions:
- Suspension of implicated workers.
- Filing of a formal police report.
- Initiation of action under the Panchayati Raj Act.
- Recovery of misappropriated funds.
- Seizure of Ayesha’s accounts.
The investigation reportedly points to the involvement of the then Village Development Officer (VDO), Assistant Programme Officer (APO), operator, and Gram Pradhan in the fraudulent activities.
Shami's Current Status and IPL 2025
Mohammed Shami is currently playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He has faced a challenging start to the tournament, claiming only two wickets in three matches while conceding over 30 runs per game. SRH is scheduled to play defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday at Eden Gardens. Prior to the IPL, Shami played a crucial role in India’s ICC 2025 Champions Trophy victory in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is MNREGA? The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act guarantees 100 days of wage labor to rural households.
- Who is implicated in the fraud? Mohammed Shami’s sister, her husband, his brothers-in-law, and the village head's family are among those implicated.
- What actions have been taken? The DM has ordered suspensions, police reports, and recovery of funds.
- What is Shami's current status? He is currently participating in IPL 2025 for SRH.
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