What’s the MNREGA controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami’s sister and mother-in-law? – Firstpost

Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami’s sister and mother-in-law, along with other individuals, have come under scrutiny thanks to a district-level investigation into an alleged scam linked to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). The scandal, which reportedly took place in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, involves fraudulent wage disbursements under the rural employment scheme run by the government.

What is the MNREGA scam about?

On 2 April, Amroha’s District Magistrate (DM) Nidhi Gupta Vats confirmed that an investigation by local officials had found evidence of wage payments being made to individuals who had not performed any work. The fraudulent disbursements were done under MNREGA job cards registered in January 2021, with wages being transferred into their bank accounts until August 2024-25 without performing any labour work.

“The investigation by local officials revealed that 18 individuals received MNREGA wages without performing any work. Among those implicated include Mohammed Shami’s sister Shabina, Shabina’s husband Ghaznavi, Shabina’s three brothers-in-law Aamir Suhail, Nasruddin and Shekhu, along with sons and daughters of village head Gule Ayesha,” the DM was quoted as saying by PTI.

Mohammed Shami’s relatives are involved

Among the 18 individuals allegedly receiving wages without working are:

• Shabina – Mohammed Shami’s sister

• Ghaznavi – Shabina’s husband

• Aamir Suhail, Nasruddin, and Shekhu – brothers-in-law of Shabina

• Sons and daughters of Gule Ayesha – the village head

Gule Ayesha, who is also the mother-in-law of Shami’s sister, is at the center of the controversy as the current Gram Pradhan (village head).

What action has been taken?

According to a PTI report, the implicated MNREGA workers have been suspended. The DM has ordered  the recovery of misappropriated funds and initiated the process of seizing the Gram Pradhan’s accounts. Meanwhile, an inquiry against local authorities and the Gram Pradhan has been launched, and further action is expected based on the findings of the investigation.

What about Mohammed Shami?

Shami, on the other hand, recently made his comeback from an injury and helped Team India win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. He is currently busy play for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Shami will be in action tonight (3 April) when last year’s finalists, SRH, play defending champions KKR at Eden Gardens.