Singrauli’s woman fakes husband’s death certificate:Claims widow pension and maintenance, man forced to prove his existence

An unusual case has emerged from Singrauli district, where a man has been running from one government office to another to prove that he is alive. Official records, however, declared him “deceased,” enabling his wife to receive widow pension benefits for the past 12 years. Ironically, the same man has also been paying Rs 5,000 per month as maintenance to his wife under a court order. The matter pertains to Karsoosa village under Baidhan Janpad Panchayat. “Sir, I am alive” — husband’s public appeal The man, identified as Chandrabali Patel, has been visiting the Collector and SDM offices with a placard hanging around his neck that reads, “Sir, I am alive.” He claims he has repeatedly approached authorities seeking correction of official records, but has not received justice so far. From jail to ‘late’ status in records According to Chandrabali, he married Anjoriya around 30 years ago. Following a marital dispute, the couple separated in 2014, and he later remarried. In 2014, Anjoriya filed a dowry harassment case against him. As a result, Chandrabali was sent to jail in 2024. During this period, he alleges, his wife colluded at the Panchayat (village council) level to falsely declare him dead and got a widow’s pension approved in her name. Meanwhile, in 2018, a court ordered Chandrabali to pay Rs 5,000 per month as maintenance to his first wife — a directive he continues to comply with. Sold land to pay maintenance To secure his release from jail, Chandrabali says he sold land and deposited Rs 3.7 lakh towards maintenance dues. It was during this time that he discovered Anjoriya had also been drawing widow pension benefits. Between 2024 and 2026, he lodged complaints at various levels — from the Gram Panchayat to the district Collector’s public grievance hearings — but alleges that no concrete action was taken. Family caught in the middle Chandrabali and Anjoriya have three children — a 20-year-old son, Rajkamal, and two daughters. Rajkamal reportedly wants his mother to return home. If not to live with his father, he wishes that she at least stay with the children. However, Anjoriya is unwilling to return. Probe ordered, recovery promised Following the complaint, District Panchayat CEO Jagdish Kumar Gome has sought a detailed investigation report from the Baidhan Janpad Panchayat. CEO Gome stated that strict action will be taken against any officer or employee found guilty during the inquiry. He also assured that any pension amount obtained fraudulently would be recovered in full. The investigation is currently underway.