The Rewa district administration has initiated stringent action against alleged financial irregularities in village panchayats, removing a sarpanch from office and issuing arrest warrants against three individuals in separate cases linked to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

The action follows departmental inquiries that reportedly confirmed violations of financial rules and irregularities in the execution of development works across multiple gram panchayats.

Sohagi Sarpanch Removed from Office

In one of the key actions, Sheshmani Mishra, the sarpanch of Sohagi Gram Panchayat under Teonthar Janpad Panchayat, has been removed from office under Section 40 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act, 1993.

The decision was taken after an inquiry committee, constituted following a complaint by Rajiv Kumar Dubey, found evidence of financial irregularities and violations of prescribed procedures in the functioning of the panchayat.

Alongside the sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary Manpooran Prasad Shukla has been placed under suspension. His headquarters have been shifted to the Teonthar Janpad Panchayat during the suspension period.

Payment Through Relative Under Scanner

According to the inquiry findings, the former sarpanch allegedly appointed his son, Ashutosh Mishra, as a vendor for panchayat development works.

Investigators found that payments amounting to nearly ₹35.17 lakh were allegedly released through this arrangement in violation of financial norms, prompting disciplinary action by the district administration.

Arrest Warrants Issued in Separate Case

In another case, Rewa District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mehtab Singh Gurjar has issued arrest warrants against three individuals associated with separate gram panchayats.

Those facing action include:

• Former Sarpanch Ravendra Singh of Devra Kothar Gram Panchayat.

• Former Panchayat Secretary Rajbahor Yadav of Farhadi Gram Panchayat.

• Gram Rozgar Sahayak Narayan Prasad Mishra.

The officials had earlier been directed to recover government funds after departmental investigations reportedly established financial irregularities and embezzlement in development works. However, as the recovery amount was not deposited despite the orders, the administration initiated action under Section 92 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act by issuing jail warrants.

Pending Cases Still Under Review

District officials indicated that several older cases involving alleged financial irregularities in panchayats remain pending. In a number of these matters, recovery proceedings and arrest warrants had already been issued earlier, but the legal and administrative action has yet to be completed.

The latest measures are being viewed as part of the district administration's efforts to strengthen accountability in the implementation of rural development schemes and ensure proper utilisation of public funds.

Officials have not ruled out further action if additional irregularities are established during ongoing investigations.