Dead bodies used for fake accident insurance claims in MP:Brokers police manipulate FIRs to secure payouts, lure families into 50% share

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a surge in road accident insurance claims, but investigations reveal that many of these claims may be part of a well-orchestrated racket involving brokers, police, and even doctors. Bhaskar’s investigation into 10 cases across the state exposes how accident FIRs are manipulated to obtain insurance money, often leaving the victim’s family unknowingly violating the law. Case studies revealing the racket First case: On May 8, 2025, in Waraseoni, Balaghat, 22-year-old Chinmay Sonawane died while riding a motorcycle. The FIR stated that Chinmay’s bike collided with a vehicle coming from the front. Insurance claims were immediately made. However, upon investigation, it was revealed that Chinmay’s death occurred because his bike slipped. Second case: Similarly, Akhilesh Yadav from Amarpatan in Maihar district was injured in a road accident. He initially claimed that a motorcycle hit him from the front, but the investigation showed that the bike slipped when an electric wire got caught in his neck. These two cases are just examples of a broader pattern in Madhya Pradesh, where FIRs misrepresent the actual circumstances of accidents. Brokers in collusion with police exploit these situations, offering victim families 50 percent of the insurance payout to ensure the claim goes through. How the fake insurance claim business works Case 1: One bike, four accidents A motorcycle registered under Indore RTO number MP09 VC 5039, owned by Rajkumar Dhoke of Palda, Indore, was involved in four accidents between 2019 and 2023. Claims were successfully obtained for three accidents, with the fourth still under court consideration. Notably, different drivers were reported in each case, highlighting the fraudulent nature of these claims. Case 2: Barwani bike claims A bike registered under Barwani RTO number MP46 MG 7867, owned by Mahesh Yadav, was involved in three accidents, resulting in three deaths and one injury. Different drivers were involved in all three accidents. Two cases were registered at Kukshi police station and one at Silavad police station, with claims passed in each case. Additionally, a Maruti Van (MP09 BA 0116) owned by Yadav caused another accident, killing Bhima and injuring Rajaram. The FIR was registered seven days later, and the insurance claim was processed successfully. Lack of accountability for drivers In all these cases, none of the individuals driving at the time of accidents were punished, despite causing death and injury. Culpable homicide charges are applied, but trial outcomes rarely result in accountability. Senior Advocate Mujeeb Khan explained that in road accident cases, two separate court processes occur: one for the insurance claim and one for the criminal proceedings against the driver. Often, once the claim is approved, witnesses in the criminal trial turn hostile, preventing justice. Hidden camera investigation exposes brokers Bhaskar reporters conducted a hidden camera investigation, negotiating with Ramesh Kushwaha, an agent from Indore who openly discussed how brokers manipulate claims. Kushwaha explained that he works with police, doctors, and families to manage claims, ensuring that payouts are secured without legal interference. During the conversation, Kushwaha detailed how commissions are negotiated. For accidents involving unknown vehicles, the agent takes 40–50 percent of the claim, while known vehicle claims involve 15–20 percent. The agent confirmed that fake vehicles can be used if required and that police and insurance officers are often complicit. Written agreements and fake deals The agent also described the need for a written agreement with the victim’s family on stamp paper, ensuring that commission disputes do not arise after claims are processed. He shared an example where the family claimed a lower percentage than agreed, even after receiving a significant insurance payout. Agents also ensure that visiting cards and forms are prepared to create the appearance of legitimacy. Impact on the common man Steps in fake claim process The contrasting incidents of Chinmay Sonawane in Balaghat and Akhilesh Yadav in Maihar demonstrate how FIRs can misrepresent reality. While both were initially reported as collisions, investigations revealed accidents were due to other causes, highlighting systemic manipulation. This investigation shows repeated offenses, where vehicles are used multiple times for fraudulent claims, compounding losses for insurance companies and the public.