The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a preliminary inquiry into large-scale corruption allegations involving the fraudulent management of night shelters under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). The FIR has been filed against yet-to-be-identified government officials and three individuals, including the owner of a non-governmental organization (NGO). The investigation stems from a 2023 complaint alleging that tenders for the operation and management of night shelters were fraudulently awarded and subsequently exploited to siphon off government funds.
Ghost Employee Racket Uncovered
According to the CBI, an NGO named Sofia Educational and Welfare Society was awarded management contracts for clusters 1 and 2 in 2023. While the society was responsible for deploying supervisors, caretakers, and security staff, the CBI’s inquiry revealed a “ghost employee” racket designed to embezzle the salary reimbursements provided by the Delhi government.
Investigators found that the society enrolled numerous people as staff members who, in reality, never set foot in a night shelter. These “bogus employees” were often engaged in entirely different professions or businesses. While fixed monthly salaries were credited to their bank accounts to maintain a veneer of legitimacy, the funds were systematically withdrawn and returned in cash to the society’s management.
Evidence from Mobile Data and Forensic Analysis
“Mobile location data and forensic analysis confirmed that during their supposed shifts, these people were actually at their primary workplaces or residences, often 10 to 15 km from their assigned shelters,” the FIR states. The CBI’s report alleges a “well-planned conspiracy” where attendance records were allegedly doctored at the office level after being submitted by field staff.
Long-term residents and actual employees of the shelters corroborated the findings, stating that they had never seen the individuals named in the payroll. The fraud was further facilitated by a lack of oversight. Although a 2024 standard operating procedure required regular inspections by DUSIB officials, no report of absenteeism was ever filed.
Technological Safeguards Bypassed
Technological safeguards were also reportedly bypassed. Despite a mandate requiring attendance to be logged via a “real-time data app,” the system was never implemented, yet the Delhi government continued to reimburse salary bills without verification. Additionally, the 2023 tender was approved by a chief engineer rather than the full DUSIB board — a departure from the 2018 protocol. This has raised questions regarding the legal delegation of power for such high-value contracts.
Charges Filed
The accused now face charges under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI is trying to identify the “unknown public servants” whose connivance allowed the misappropriation of government funds.
