Tirupati Police Probe Alleged Rs 1.19 Crore in Self Help Group Fund Diversion

Police in Tirupati have launched a detailed investigation into an alleged misappropriation of ₹1.19 crore meant for women’s self-help groups (SHGs), following public complaints and subsequent intervention by Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

The funds are reported to have been allocated under DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) schemes, which are aimed at empowering rural women through financial support and livelihood programmes.

Social Media Complaint Triggers Government Action

The case came to light after a complaint was posted on the social media platform X by a user identifying irregularities in SHG-related funds. The post alleged that ₹1.19 crore belonging to Deepika SLF DWCRA members was misappropriated between 2022 and 2025 by an individual named Nuhir.

The complainant also claimed that earlier grievances raised with banking officials and MEPMA staff had not received adequate response.

Following the post, Minister Nara Lokesh publicly acknowledged the complaint and directed authorities to take immediate action. His intervention led to swift coordination between administrative officials and local police.

FIR Registered, Investigation Underway

Tirupati police confirmed that a formal FIR has been registered at the East Police Station under Crime No. 577 of 2025. A detailed investigation is currently in progress to trace the alleged financial irregularities.

Authorities are examining bank statements, beneficiary records, and transaction histories to determine how the funds were allegedly diverted over multiple years. Investigators are also assessing whether administrative lapses, banking vulnerabilities, or misuse of access contributed to the suspected fraud.

Focus on Financial Trails and Institutional Gaps

Police sources said that statements from SHG members, officials, and other stakeholders are being recorded as part of the probe. Financial audit teams are also assisting in analysing fund flows and identifying potential beneficiaries of the alleged diversion.

Preliminary findings suggest that the case may involve systematic misuse of welfare funds intended for women’s empowerment programmes. Investigators are also reviewing whether intermediaries played any role in facilitating the transactions.

Questions Raised Over Monitoring Mechanisms

The incident has raised concerns about oversight and monitoring systems within agencies managing DWCRA and SHG-related welfare schemes. Allegations of delayed responses and coordination gaps between implementing bodies have further intensified scrutiny.

Officials confirmed that the investigation will also assess institutional accountability and determine whether procedural failures enabled the alleged diversion of funds.

Authorities Vow Strict Action

Police have stated that all individuals found responsible will face legal action based on evidence gathered during the investigation. Authorities emphasized that the probe is still in its early stages and no conclusions have been reached yet.

The case has sparked wider public concern over the security and transparency of self-help group funds, which play a critical role in rural development and women’s financial inclusion.