Goa, May 23 -- A major financial scam has hit Goa's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program, with nearly Rs.5 crore, earmarked for primary education-fraudulently diverted from government accounts. The fraud came to light only after a vigilant bank manager in West Bengal flagged suspicious account activity involving large deposits and cheque clearances bearing SSA Goa's name.

Investigations revealed that the funds were routed through a private account, leading to the arrest of a garment trader in West Bengal. The accused claims he was misled by an individual who promised him a business loan in return for access to his account. He alleges that the cheques were deposited without his full knowledge. Authorities are now verifying the authenticity...