Mumbai Police Salary Scam Probe Widens to ₹6.41-Crore Fraud

Mumbai Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into a multi-crore salary scam, with the Crime Branch taking over the probe into the alleged ₹6.41-crore fraud.

The scam came to light during the migration of employee data from the old Sevaarth payroll system to a new salary management platform, revealing discrepancies in salary records for certain months in 2019 and 2020. Five officials, including Administrative Officer Ramkishan Goswami, Nagesh Talwadekar, Vijaya Chavan, Head Clerk Ajay Rathod, and Senior Clerk Amol Meshram, have been booked on charges including cheating the government, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy.

According to the FIR, the accused allegedly projected 10 non-police individuals as police personnel and fraudulently transferred salary payments into their bank accounts. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch due to the seriousness of the offence.

Police officials believe the scam may not have been limited to those two years and are auditing records from every office where the accused were previously posted to ascertain whether the fraud had been carried out elsewhere as well. The total amount siphoned off could increase significantly once the audit is completed.

Two of the accused, Vijaya Chavan and Amol Meshram, who were still serving in the Mumbai Police, have been placed under suspension. They have been barred from taking up any employment or business and have also been prohibited from leaving Mumbai without prior permission.

The Crime Branch is trying to identify the 10 beneficiaries in whose names the salaries were allegedly withdrawn and determine how they agreed to receive money fraudulently transferred from government accounts.

The Mumbai Police are taking this matter seriously, and the investigation is ongoing. The audit of payroll records will help determine the extent of the scam and whether similar irregularities occurred before the introduction of the Sevaarth salary management system.

The scam has sent shockwaves through the force, and officials are working to ensure that such irregularities do not occur in the future. The investigation is a significant step towards uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice.

In the coming days, the Mumbai Police will continue to investigate the scam and take necessary actions to prevent such incidents from happening again. The public can expect a thorough and transparent investigation, and those found guilty will face the consequences of their actions.

The Mumbai Police salary scam is a serious issue that affects not only the police force but also the public's trust in the institution. The investigation and subsequent actions will be closely watched, and it is essential that the authorities handle the matter with utmost care and transparency.

The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for the Mumbai Police and the public. It is crucial that the authorities take all necessary steps to prevent such scams from occurring in the future and to restore the public's trust in the institution.

In conclusion, the Mumbai Police salary scam probe has widened, and the Crime Branch is investigating the alleged ₹6.41-crore fraud. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.