Dead declared alive for insurance claims:₹8 crore Ujjain fraud exposed; Economic Offences Wing books 43 accused

Death brings mourning to families, but in Ujjain it was used to generate insurance claims. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has uncovered a fraud in which policies were taken in the names of the deceased to seek payouts worth several crores. Agents, sarpanchs, secretaries and government employees are among those named. After an 18-month inquiry, the EOW has registered an FIR against 43 persons. The alleged fraud is estimated at about ₹8 crore. Four cases cited by investigators Case 1: Policies taken after death A policy was issued in the name of Balusingh of Alakheda, Ujjain, 64 days after his death. Records show that a death certificate had already been issued. Investigators said a second certificate was created to claim ₹35 lakh. In another instance, a policy was taken in the name of Dharmendra Chauhan of Dhuredi 30 days after his death, followed by a claim of ₹30 lakh. Case 2: Use of forged certificates Jaykunwar of Ghatia tehsil had died 28 days before a policy was issued in her name. Her death certificate was used to seek a claim of ₹25 lakh. Dinesh Malviya of Panwasa had died 21 days before a policy was taken. A certificate purportedly issued by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation was submitted, but investigators found no such record. A claim of ₹30 lakh was filed. Case 3: Policy issued shortly before death In the case of Govardhan Singh, records showed him as healthy at the time of policy issuance. The investigation found that he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital for a severe liver infection. The policy was taken a day before his death. Case 4: Labourer’s policy Mukesh Jujhare, a labourer, had two policies in his name. One was taken three days before his death, with documents stating he was healthy. The first premium was ₹70,000. After his death, a claim of ₹15 lakh was filed. Roles identified in the network Questions on oversight The investigation has raised questions about verification processes in banks and insurance channels. Officials are required to verify applications and supporting documents. The EOW is examining whether lapses occurred or if there was collusion. The FIR currently names agents, while the role of other officials remains under scrutiny.