Khandwa : Thousands of spectators, leaders and administrative officials present to watch the Republic Day Parade in the jam packed stadium were shocked as they watched a farmer returned an award given to him alleging fraud and fixing by the selection committee.

Local MLA, Mayor and collector were at their wits-end when a farmer Rakesh Singh returned an envelope containing the award money Rs 10,000 to collector Mahesh Agrawal on the dais.

Rakesh was chosen for a district level award by a selection committee for progressive and advanced agriculture recently.

Total 8 farmers were selected for the progressive and advanced farming from the district who were awarded by the collector on Republic Day.

Rakesh hails from Ahmednagar village of Khalwa Block and was second to get this award by officials of ATMA Governing Board.

However, his act of returning award certificate and money came as utter surprise to political leaders and administrative officials.

When asked, Rakesh alleged that the officials from ATMA governing board in connivance with some farmers fixed the award in advance as name of those farmers were selected who were not anywhere doing progressive or advanced agriculture.

Rakesh expressed his annoyance alleging that he is cultivating his 35 acre land by adapting advanced techniques including sprinklers, drips, mulching and yellow shade still his name was considered on second position.

Rekesh had quit a government job where he was getting Rs 50,000 per month and began cultivating his ancestral land by adapting advanced techniques of agriculture.

Meanwhile, joint director of ATMA Project SS Rajput said- application of Rakesh Singh was received through government procedure and it is possible he may have send incomplete information and could not find first position. He will be given a chance next year.