Varanasi, June 23 -- The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Varanasi, on Sunday arrested a former block development officer (BDO) from his residence in Varanasi in connection with the notorious Ballia foodgrain scam. The accused, Daya Ram Vishwakarma, served as the BDO of Bansdih block in Ballia district during the period of the alleged scam, between 2002 and 2005, according to a member of the EOW team. The scam involved the misappropriation of government funds and foodgrains intended for rural employment schemes. Investigations revealed that Vishwakarma, along with other co-accused, had embezzled over Rs 27 lakh through fake muster rolls and forged documents. Two FIRs were registered against the accused in 2006, after which the EOW took over the investigation. It was found that the accused had been actively involved in the scam and had been absconding ever since. The investigation has gathered evidence against 13 accused individuals, including the arrested BDO. The EOW stated that the arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. Acting on the UP government's directive to take strict action against those involved in corruption, the agency is continuing its efforts to bring all accused to justice.Htc...