Court Denies Bail in School Mid-Day Meal Scheme Fraud Case

The Bombay High Court denied pre-arrest bail to former school principal Radha Narayan, accused of misappropriating food grains meant for students under Maharashtra's mid-day meal scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court cited insufficient evidence and lack of accountability from Narayan as reasons for the decision.

In a noteworthy decision on Thursday, the Bombay High Court denied pre-arrest bail to Radha Narayan, the former principal of a school embroiled in a food grain misappropriation scandal.

Justice Rajesh Patil of the court underscored that the accused had not provided truthful and comprehensive information, necessitating her custodial interrogation. The case hinges on allegations that Narayan misappropriated food grains worth approximately Rs 5 lakh during the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions were allocated by the Maharashtra government under the mid-day meal scheme to benefit students.

The court expressed dissatisfaction with Narayan's explanation, which cited waterlogging as the cause for the grain loss, highlighting her lack of evidence or documentation. Notably, the court dismissed her offer to reimburse the Rs 5 lakh, stating monetary compensation cannot negate liability in this context.

(With inputs from agencies.)