In MP’s Satna, officials declare living men dead to pocket ex-gratia aid

Officials in Rahikwara village of Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district allegedly declared living people as dead to claim government money meant for their last rites and ex-gratia aid.

The fraud took place under the Sambal Yojana, a state government welfare scheme for labourers. The scam came to light after two “dead” men turned up alive, forcing officials to order a detailed investigation.

As per the complaint, at least three cases have been found so far. In the first, 65-year-old Sajjan Chowdhary was shown as dead on January 10, 2021. Officials then withdrew Rs 2.05 lakh, Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia payment and Rs 5,000 for funeral expenses in his name. Sajjan, however, is alive and continues to live in the same village. In the second case, Ganpat Kushwaha (64) was falsely declared dead, and an equal amount was withdrawn on January 14, 2020.

In the third instance, Ramcharan Chowdhary, who actually died on April 12, 2020, had his Rs 2.05 lakh benefit diverted to another person’s bank account instead of reaching his family.

“I am a farmer and had no idea that I was declared dead. The pension and assistance money were being credited, but to someone else’s account,” TOI quoted Sajjan Chowdhary as saying.

Officials later visited his home to verify his claim. The scam was first exposed by Ram Sewak Pal, a Janpad Panchayat member, who began probing after a widow complained she hadn’t received her entitled aid. “When we checked, we found payments had already been claimed. That’s when we discovered two living men shown as dead,” he said.

District Panchayat CEO Shailendra Singh confirmed that the collector had ordered an inquiry. “Three cases have come up so far. Teams have been sent to collect all details. Strict action will be taken once the probe is complete,” he said.