UP Police Takes Action Against Officers in Fake Accident Claims Scandal
The Uttar Pradesh Police has taken decisive action against 13 police officers, suspending them from duty following a comprehensive investigation into fraudulent road accident settlement claims. This development comes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered significant irregularities in multiple cases across three districts of the state.
Widespread Irregularities Detected Across Multiple Districts
During the SIT inquiry, investigators detected serious irregularities in a total of 13 road accident cases. The breakdown reveals nine problematic cases in Bahraich district, with two cases each in Gonda and Shravasti districts. These cases involved fatal accidents where victims had lost their lives, making the fraudulent activities particularly egregious.
The investigation revealed that seven other cases examined by the SIT were found to be genuine, with no evidence of wrongdoing. This distinction highlights the selective nature of the fraudulent activities rather than systemic corruption across all cases.
Detailed Findings of the SIT Investigation
The SIT, which was formed last year, conducted a thorough examination of 20 cases registered at various police stations across Gonda, Bahraich, and Shravasti districts. The investigation uncovered several patterns of misconduct:
- Four cases involved the replacement of vehicles originally involved in accidents with insured vehicles
- Eight cases featured manipulated driver details during investigation processes
- One particularly egregious case revealed that a victim's vehicle had actually collided with a stray dog, but the investigation falsely recorded it as an accident involving a motorcycle
Police sources indicated that the actual vehicles involved in accidents were systematically replaced with insured ones in fraudulent cases. Furthermore, in instances where drivers lacked valid driving licenses, investigation records were manipulated to show that accidents were caused by other drivers with proper documentation.
Insurance Companies Flag Suspicious Cases
The irregularities first came to light when insurance company representatives submitted a detailed list raising suspicions about potential foul play. According to established procedures, when a person dies in a road accident, compensation is typically paid to the deceased's family by the insurance company. However, in cases where vehicles are uninsured or drivers lack valid licenses, the liability shifts to vehicle owners or drivers themselves.
"The insurance companies conducted preliminary inquiries that included speaking with local residents and gathering information through various means," explained a police officer familiar with the investigation. "After detecting suspected irregularities in several cases, they submitted formal applications to senior police officers requesting verification of the claims."
Broader Review Ordered Across Devipatan Range
In response to these findings, Inspector General Amit Pathak of the Devipatan Range has ordered further investigations into all 13 problematic cases. Additionally, proceedings against three other police officers are currently underway, indicating that the scope of disciplinary action may expand as investigations continue.
Pathak has also directed the police department to conduct a comprehensive review of all accident cases registered in the Devipatan Range, which comprises four districts: Balrampur, Gonda, Shravasti, and Bahraich. This broader review aims to identify any additional irregularities that may have escaped initial detection.
Systemic Issues in Investigation Processes
UP Police sources have confirmed that serious lapses and misconduct were found on the part of investigating officers in these cases. The fraudulent attempts to unlawfully obtain compensation from insurance companies represent a significant breach of professional ethics and legal standards.
The investigation process revealed that after police filed charge sheets in these cases, the documents were forwarded to insurance companies to process compensation payments to victims' families. The manipulation of investigation records at this critical juncture enabled the fraudulent claims to proceed through official channels.
This case highlights the importance of robust verification mechanisms in insurance claim processing and underscores the need for greater accountability within police investigation procedures. The UP Police's decisive action against the implicated officers sends a strong message about the department's commitment to maintaining integrity in law enforcement operations.
