Chittoor Cooperative Scam: Crores Embezzled, Farmers' Funds Looted

• Chittoor district's primary cooperative societies are embroiled in a multi-crore financial scam, shocking the public.
• Over Rs. 298 lakhs (2.98 crores) have been confirmed embezzled in four single-window societies, with more expected as investigations continue.
• Major irregularities include Rs. 250.39 lakhs in Byreddipalli (loans to 58 groups, High Court stay) and Rs. 75.85 lakhs in Rompicherla (petrol bunk fraud, no criminal cases filed).
• Further embezzlements found in Sadam (Rs. 8.33 lakhs) and Srirangarajapuram (Rs. 8.96 lakhs), with officials suspended but no criminal action.
• Lack of supervision, delayed audits, and alleged collusion among officials are cited as reasons for the systemic failure, eroding farmers' trust.

Why It Matters: Chittoor cooperative societies face a multi-crore scam due to official negligence, eroding farmer trust.