The main accused in the high-profile Ghat scam of Punasa Janpad in Khandwa district, former Janpad CEO Kashiram Kanude, has returned to Khandwa and has been appointed as Additional CEO of the Khandwa Zila Panchayat. This post is considered the second most important position after the CEO. The move has raised eyebrows as Kanude has been posted in the same office where the investigation into the Ghat scam is still underway. Notably, recovery of more than Rs 58 lakh remains pending against him in the case, prompting questions within administrative circles over the decision. Punasa ghat scam details Investigation shelved through MNREGA branch A year ago, the then Commissioner of Indore division had canceled the old recovery order of the District Panchayat CEO and instructed to prepare a fresh report with panchayat-wise photographs and panchnama. The order clearly stated action under the Panchayat Act. However, the responsible officers considered this order to be a kind of stay. The new CEO was allegedly misled, and the investigation was put on hold through the MNREGA branch. Charge sheet not yet presented in bribery case Kashiram Kanude is set to retire in April. After the Ghat scam, he was transferred to Dhar district. While serving as Janpad CEO in Umarban, the Lokayukta caught him red-handed on September 14, 2024, accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000. According to Lokayukta officer Sunil Talan, the charge sheet has not yet been presented in this case. The process takes time to complete. For this reason, suspension action has not been taken yet. MNREGA In-charge said – I don’t want to talk about this topic Regarding the current status of the Ghat scam investigation, Kiran Barse, the in-charge of the MNREGA branch of the District Panchayat, refused to provide any information. She clearly stated, I cannot say anything about the investigation into the Ghat scam, I do not want to talk about this topic. Post navigation ‘You are a Yadav…have no right to keep shikha’:Rewa man’s 12-inch-long topknot forcibly pulled off; police told him to throw it in dustbin Uproar in Ratlam as Hindu group claims beef seizure:Road blocked at Bajna bus stand; allegations of smuggling on motorcycle
