The Shiv Sena (UBT) has leveled serious allegations of a payroll fraud involving crores of rupees at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). According to the party, salaries and festival advances were disbursed for years to individuals who were not civic employees. If proven, this would rank among the most significant financial irregularities reported in the civic body in recent times.
Memorandum Submitted to Officials
Nitin Tiwari, the city president of Shiv Sena (UBT), submitted a memorandum to Mayor Neeta Thakre and Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, demanding a high-level inquiry into salary and Rakhi advance payments in the Lakadganj zone. Commissioner Itankar informed the Times of India that he has already ordered a probe into the allegations.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
As per the complaint, workers employed at an industrial unit in Butibori, along with some of their family members, were allegedly shown as Group-D employees of the NMC. They reportedly received salaries through official channels. The irregularities are said to date back to 2019, with names of non-employees being inserted into salary rolls and payments approved and released through the banking system.
Tiwari alleged that nearly 15 to 20 lakh rupees were siphoned off every month through this racket, causing losses worth several crores over the past seven years. Bank records reportedly show salary deposits ranging from 48,000 to more than 62,000 rupees. The representation further alleges that beneficiary names were periodically changed, making detection difficult.
Demand for Investigation
The complaint has sought scrutiny of officials involved in preparing, verifying, and approving bills. It also calls for an audit of salary payments, attendance books, and bank transactions since 2019. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible.
This case highlights the need for robust internal controls and transparency in municipal financial operations to prevent such frauds in the future.
