A major compensation fraud worth ₹17.24 crore has come to light in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district, where investigators have uncovered an alleged criminal network that manipulated official records to falsely classify deaths as snakebite fatalities in order to claim government compensation.
The investigation has led to the arrest of multiple individuals from different professions, including doctors, lawyers, revenue department employees and bank personnel, revealing what police describe as a highly organised syndicate that exploited loopholes in the state’s compensation system over several years.
Fraud Allegedly Operated for Years
According to investigators, the racket remained active from 2018 onwards, with most of the suspected fraudulent cases occurring between 2018 and 2024. During this period, forged documents were allegedly prepared to convert genuine causes of death—including suicide, heart attack, poisoning and other medical conditions—into snakebite deaths.
The altered records enabled fraudulent compensation claims under the state government’s financial assistance scheme for snakebite victims, resulting in losses estimated at more than ₹17.24 crore. Authorities believe the fraud was systematic and involved multiple stages of document manipulation before compensation was released.
How the Alleged Scam Worked
Investigators say the fraud depended on the creation and circulation of fabricated official records.
Police allege that original death records and post-mortem findings were manipulated to falsely identify snakebite as the cause of death. In several cases, existing inquest numbers and official files were allegedly reused to prepare forged medical documents, allowing fraudulent claims to appear authentic.
Authorities suspect that every participant in the network played a specific role—from preparing false medical certificates and processing revenue records to facilitating compensation payments through banking channels.
Multiple Professionals Under Scanner
The investigation has exposed the alleged involvement of people holding official and professional positions.
Among those arrested are:
- A doctor accused of issuing false medical certifications.
- Revenue department clerks allegedly involved in processing fabricated documentation.
- Lawyers suspected of facilitating fraudulent compensation claims.
- A bank employee accused of helping process or distribute compensation funds.
- Other intermediaries believed to have coordinated paperwork between various government offices.
Police have indicated that more individuals, including additional medical professionals, remain under investigation and further arrests are likely as the probe expands.
Doctor Accused of Forging Medical Evidence
One of the most significant developments in the investigation is the arrest of a doctor accused of preparing or approving forged post-mortem reports.
Investigators allege that the doctor certified snakebite as the cause of death in cases where individuals had actually died due to unrelated reasons. Police are also examining several additional post-mortem reports prepared during the same period to determine whether similar irregularities occurred in other cases.
Officials are scrutinising forensic procedures and documentation connected to multiple suspicious deaths.
Fake Records Triggered Government Compensation
The alleged conspiracy exploited the state’s financial relief programme for snakebite victims, under which eligible families receive compensation following certified snakebite deaths.
Investigators believe forged medical reports, fabricated revenue documents and manipulated administrative records were sufficient to secure government approval in numerous cases.
Police are now tracing the movement of compensation funds to determine who ultimately benefited from the payouts and whether the money was shared among members of the alleged network.
Investigation Began After Questions Were Raised
The case reportedly gained momentum after concerns regarding unusually high numbers of snakebite-related compensation claims were raised publicly.
Subsequent scrutiny of official records prompted a detailed police investigation, leading to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) across Bilaspur district. Investigators began comparing medical reports, police records and revenue documents, eventually uncovering significant discrepancies that pointed towards large-scale forgery.
Authorities have now registered several criminal cases linked to the alleged fraud, with investigators continuing to examine additional suspicious claims.
Police Describe an Organised Criminal Syndicate
Senior police officials believe the fraud was not the work of isolated individuals but rather an organised network operating across multiple departments.
According to investigators, the alleged syndicate relied on coordination between medical professionals, legal intermediaries, government staff and financial channels to ensure fake claims successfully passed through administrative procedures.
Officials have stated that stronger verification mechanisms, including scientific examination and stricter scrutiny of snakebite-related deaths, could help prevent similar frauds in the future.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing to examine dozens of additional compensation cases that may be linked to the alleged racket.
Investigators are reviewing post-mortem reports, official records and banking transactions to determine the full extent of the fraud. Authorities are also attempting to identify additional beneficiaries and individuals who may have participated in preparing or approving forged documents.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that more arrests and fresh charges are expected as evidence continues to emerge.