📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Crime
West Bengal to form SIT probing 57,000 fake housing scheme beneficiaries, CM says
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 03:16 AM
👁 20
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the creation of a Special Investigation Team to examine allegations that 57,000 beneficiaries of a state housing scheme are fictitious.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be set up to verify the authenticity of 57,000 beneficiaries listed under a West Bengal housing scheme. The move comes after reports surfaced suggesting that a large number of entries may be fabricated, potentially undermining the scheme's objectives.
The SIT, comprising senior officials from the state police and administrative services, has been tasked with scrutinising documentation, cross‑checking field data and identifying any irregularities in the beneficiary list. Authorities will also interview officials involved in the scheme's implementation to trace the source of the discrepancies.
The investigation is expected to be concluded within a few weeks, after which corrective action, including possible legal proceedings against those found responsible, will be taken. The CM emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that welfare schemes reach genuine beneficiaries.
The housing scheme, launched to provide affordable homes to low‑income families, has been a flagship program of the state. The probe aims to restore public confidence and ensure that future allocations are transparent and merit‑based.
The SIT, comprising senior officials from the state police and administrative services, has been tasked with scrutinising documentation, cross‑checking field data and identifying any irregularities in the beneficiary list. Authorities will also interview officials involved in the scheme's implementation to trace the source of the discrepancies.
The investigation is expected to be concluded within a few weeks, after which corrective action, including possible legal proceedings against those found responsible, will be taken. The CM emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that welfare schemes reach genuine beneficiaries.
The housing scheme, launched to provide affordable homes to low‑income families, has been a flagship program of the state. The probe aims to restore public confidence and ensure that future allocations are transparent and merit‑based.