logo
Missing Staff To Invisible Service: Madhya Pradesh Payroll Scam Tale Of 2 Extremes

Missing Staff To Invisible Service: Madhya Pradesh Payroll Scam Tale Of 2 Extremes

NDTV10 hours ago
Bhopal:
Just days after NDTV exposed the shocking reality of nearly 50,000 government employees in Madhya Pradesh whose data is present in the state's records - but who haven't withdrawn their salaries since December 2024 - another scandal has surfaced, revealing the exact opposite side of the same broken system. One police constable in Vidisha drew salary for 12 years without reporting for duty or completing training.
Hired But Never Showed Up
In 2011, Abhishek Upadhyay was recruited into the Madhya Pradesh Police and posted at Bhopal Police Lines. As was standard procedure, he was then sent to Sagar Police Training Centre. But instead of reporting there, Upadhyay quietly returned to his hometown Vidisha.
He neither informed his department nor applied for leave. No medical papers were submitted. Instead, he simply sent his service file via speed post to Bhopal, claiming that he had fallen ill. Shockingly, his file was accepted without verification, and over the next 12 years, Upadhyay continued receiving a government salary - without attending a single day of duty or training.
12 Years Later: The Curtain Lifts
The truth emerged only after a Service Record (SR) check, mandated ahead of his 10-year time-scale pay upgrade. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ankita Khaterkar, who is investigating the matter, told NDTV: "The constable was supposed to undergo basic training in Sagar. When his entire batch was sent, he was on leave. When he returned, he was sent separately - but instead of going to the training centre, he went home to Vidisha.
He didn't inform any officer or apply for leave. He just sent his service file by post, saying he was unwell. The file was accepted in Bhopal without any checks. Since we had already sent a letter saying he was being deputed, Sagar didn't raise a flag either. No one noticed he never showed up."
When trainees returned from Sagar, his name was missing from the final list - but because he was sent separately, no one noticed his absence. Years passed. Supervisors changed. Records were never updated.
Only during the SR check did something seem off - no rewards, no punishments, no duty record. The establishment branch called him in. When Upadhyay finally appeared, the department realised he had never served a single day.
Authorities are now looking into how a lapse like this was even possible
"I Made a Mistake," Upadhyay Admits
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Upadhyay admitted to the wrongdoing: "I didn't understand how the system worked. I had a serious accident, and there's still a metal rod in my leg. I suffered from migraines, and my love marriage caused stress at home. I was mentally unwell and under treatment. I made a mistake."
Officials estimate he collected Rs 28-35 lakh in salary over the years. He has returned just Rs 1 lakh so far, claiming he will pay the rest in instalments. However, he has not submitted any medical proof to support his claims. A full investigation is underway.
Authorities are now looking into how such a lapse was even possible. How did files get processed without verification? Who were the officers responsible? And how many others might be drawing salaries without working?
ACP Khaterkar told NDTV: "We are now reviewing all relevant documents. It is possible others are doing the same - sitting at home while drawing salaries. I can't say for certain, but we can't rule it out either."
One System, Two Extremes
This scandal comes in the wake of NDTV's recent report that revealed 50,000 government employees in Madhya Pradesh have not withdrawn salaries since December 2024 - despite their employee codes being active in the payroll system. Some are retired or deceased, but many are believed to be active employees who were overlooked due to systemic errors.
The unpaid salary liability in that case exceeds Rs 230 crore.
After NDTV's investigation, the state government, which had initially asked for 15 days to respond, submitted its internal report in just three days. A full audit of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) is now underway.
When NDTV questioned Finance Minister Jagdish Deora, he refused to give a direct answer. "Whatever is done, is done according to the rules..." he said, before walking away from the camera.
NDTV's reporting has now lifted the veil on a crumbling administrative structure, where retired or deceased employees still have active codes, active employees remain unpaid - and some individuals walk away with lakhs without lifting a finger.
The government may claim there are no "ghosts" left in the system - but the shadows still linger.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Illegal sand mining in Bokaro continues despite NGT ban
Illegal sand mining in Bokaro continues despite NGT ban

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Illegal sand mining in Bokaro continues despite NGT ban

Bokaro: Though the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a complete ban on sand mining during the monsoon (June 10 to Oct 15), illegal sand extraction continues unabated in Bokaro district, especially at Bhathua Ghat of the Damodar river under Harla police station. While the mining department appears proactive on paper, its field presence is virtually invisible where violations are rampant. Hundreds of tractors operate daily at Bhathua and Pindrajoda Ijri river ghats, extracting and transporting sand in broad daylight and even late at night. However, the mining department's focus appears limited to token action at other sites like Balidih, Sector 12, and Pindrajora, where one or two vehicles are seized weekly. In the past 27 days (June 10 to July 7), nine tractors were seized, and an FIR was filed against "unknown" individuals. Locals allege that while deputy commissioner of Bokaro, Ajay Nath Jha, continues to issue instructions and warnings, the mining department merely took harsh steps to curb the unlawful business of sands. Advocate Bhagwan Sahu, a resident of Bhathua village, said, "Sand is being mined from the Damodar river even at 2 am. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pamiętasz ją? Lepiej usiądź, zanim ją dzisiaj zobaczysz. Lawyers Favorite Undo The illegal sand-laden tractors ply on village roads till 7 am. Villagers are distressed, but no one acts. " In the July 3 district mining task force (DMFT) meeting, mining officer (DMO) Ravi Kumar Singh shared updates on coal seizures and penalties but avoided details on sand mining. According to the press note, 31 vehicles carrying coal, sand, and stones were seized, with 12 FIRs registered and fines totalling Rs 2.76 lakh collected in the past 25 days. Yet, the most critical issue, illegal sand mining, received low attention. There are three legal storage sites available for regulated sand purchase by Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (JSMDCL) in Khetko (Petarwar), Mahasha Enterprises in Gullibhitha (Chandankiyari), and Jai Mata Di Enterprises in Bondhidih (Jaridih). But as long as field enforcement remains lax, illegal sand mining and transportation continue to outpace legal supply, undermining both the environment and governance. Jha directed strict action against illegal coal mining following a fatal mine collapse in Ramgarh on July 5 that killed one person and trapped others. Highlighting the risks near 13 abandoned coal projects in Bokaro, he ordered circle officers and police to identify and act against illegal sites, arrest mafias, and seize equipment. Regular patrolling, public awareness campaigns, and fencing of closed mines were mandated. He stressed monthly progress reports and warned that illegal mining endangers lives, damages resources, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Sessions court says detention beyond 24 hours illegal and rejects Mumbai police plea for custody
Sessions court says detention beyond 24 hours illegal and rejects Mumbai police plea for custody

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Sessions court says detention beyond 24 hours illegal and rejects Mumbai police plea for custody

Mumbai: A sessions court recently rejected a police request for custody of an alleged financial scam mastermind, Shaileshkumar Pandey, and instead remanded him in judicial custody while ordering his return to Kolkata. The court decision hinged on the finding that Pandey was illegally detained and produced before the court beyond the permissible 24-hour period from his initial custody. Pandey was presented before the court on June 30 in connection with a case registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under sections of the IPC and the MPID Act, involving alleged offences of cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy. The EOW alleged Pandey helped a co-accused, Prasanjit Dad, open 200 bank accounts to collect investment funds, earning a commission of Rs 18 crore to Rs 20 crore. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The EOW sought police custody, arguing the need to interrogate Pandey about the disposal of these funds. The defence lawyers, Nilesh Mishra and Zakir Hussain (appearing via video conference), submitted that Pandey was taken into custody by the EOW from Presidency Correctional Home, Kolkata, on June 28 at 2.20 pm. They argued that despite this, he was shown as arrested only on June 30 at 10.20 am, and subsequently produced in court beyond the 24-hour limit. The court referred to a recent Bombay high court judgment and iterated that the 24-hour period for production before a magistrate commences from the time an accused is taken into physical custody, not from the time an arrest memo is prepared. While the prosecution highlighted an order which directed Pandey's production forthwith, "excluding the time taken during transit", the city court noted that the EOW failed to move any transit remand application after taking custody of Pandey. This omission, the court observed, meant the detention during transit was not legally authorised. "In short, accused is taken in custody at 14.20 pm on June 28, and in view of ratio laid down…, the period of 24 hours began to run from said time," the court stated in its order. "Accused is produced beyond 24 hours before this court from actually taking into custody. Thus, in my view, accused is illegally arrested and produced beyond 24 hours. Hence, he cannot be further detained either in police custody." The court rejected the EOW plea for police custody and remanded Pandey to judicial custody until July 7, specifically for the purpose of his return to Presidency Correctional Home in Kolkata. The EOW has been directed to arrange for Pandey's transfer back to Kolkata within three to four days. Pandey was subsequently taken back.

Polling officials involved in Bihar electoral roll revision to get Rs 6,000 honorarium
Polling officials involved in Bihar electoral roll revision to get Rs 6,000 honorarium

The Print

timean hour ago

  • The Print

Polling officials involved in Bihar electoral roll revision to get Rs 6,000 honorarium

'The Rs 6,000 incentive has been approved as a mark of appreciation for the tireless service of polling staff during this crucial campaign,' said a statement issued by the CEO's office. This additional honorarium is aimed at acknowledging their hard work and commitment during the intensive revision process. Patna (Bihar) : The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign of the electoral rolls in Bihar is progressing rapidly and recognizing the efforts of the Polling station officials, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar has announced a special incentive of Rs 6,000 for each. Apart from this, SIR in Bihar is underway in full swing with the Booth Level Officers (BLOs), BLO Supervisors, all the election officials, BLAs appointed by the political parties and the volunteers working tirelessly at the grassroots level to ensure that no eligible elector is left out, according to a press release by the Election Commission of India's (ECI). As per the release, as of July 5 at 6.00 PM, 1,04,16 545 Enumeration Forms, i.e. 13.19 per cent of the total of 7,89,69,844 (nearly 7.90 crore) electors in Bihar who are enrolled as of June 24, 2025, have been received. The percentage of forms distributed has also increased to 93.57 per cent, with 7,38,89,333 forms already distributed. 77,895 BLOs are going house-to-house to help the electors fill out their Enumeration Forms and collect them. In a large number of cases, the BLOs are taking live pictures of the electors and uploading them, saving the electors the trouble of getting their pictures taken. The partially filled forms are also available for download on the ECI portal ( as well as on the ECINET App, and the filled forms can be uploaded by the elector themselves on the ECINET App. Additionally, 20,603 BLOs are being appointed for the smooth and timely completion of the process. Nearly 4 lakh volunteers, including government officials, NCC cadets, NSS members, etc., are also working in the field to facilitate the elderly, PwDs, sick and vulnerable populations in the SIR process. Besides, 239 EROs, 963 AEROs, 38 DEOs and the CEO of the state are at the ground level to facilitate the electors to submit their forms. 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various political parties are also providing active support in the SIR process, as per the release. This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also read: ECI's voter verification drive in Bihar is tailor-made to keep Dalits, Muslims, EBCs out

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store