HC Orders CBI Probe Into Fake Accident Claim Cases In Odisha’s Keonjhar

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into multiple fake accident insurance claims, amounting to Rs 5 crore, in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

“Considering the scale, magnitude and complexity of the crime, this court is of the opinion that the State police are not in a position to carry out a fair and truthful investigation. The CBI is well equipped with the requisite skill to unearth the conspiracy and money trailing aspect of the crime. Therefore, this court directs that the cases be handed over to the CBI for investigation in the interest of justice in exercise of its inherent powers and in the spirit of the apex court’s judgment,” Justice S K Panigrahi said while hearing a petition filed by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd, on Wednesday.

The Crime Branch of Odisha Police was earlier investigating these claims.

According to sources, Keshaba Chandra Mahanta of Dumurinali village under Pandapada police limits in Keonjhar had moved Keonjhar District Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal with five insurance claims in 2016. A thorough scrutiny by the company revealed that these accidents had occurred within a span of one year and Keshab was arrayed as the accused driver in all the cases. The driving licence of the accused driver was, however, not cancelled. He was also arrested thrice within a period of one month. “The Insurance Company had every reason to believe that the claimants were filing false cases by implanting the same driver and apprehended that these are fraud claims to misappropriate crores of rupees of public money,” their counsel submitted before the HC.

It was also alleged that the local police and medical practitioners had connived with the claimants.

“Fabricated medical documents for claiming compensation, fraudulent implantation of vehicle, claimant implantation and false implantation of driver were furnished to grab the false claim. Forged and fabricated medical examination reports have been entertained by the police enabling the injured persons to claim insurance to the tune of lakhs of rupees,” the company said, adding that the total claim amount of the cases are to the tune of Rs 5.01 crore.

“It is highly improbable that only one driver caused so many accidents within a span of 12 months which resulted in death of 4 persons as well as grievous and simple hurts to others which appeared to have been arranged by the investigating officers. The CID, Crime Branch, had sought for initiation of necessary legal action against the erring public servants such as the investigating officer and the medical officer and persons who have filed Motor Accident Claim Tribunal Case for wrongful gain,” the Crime Branch stated in a report.