CBI calls for probe into ‘pension-for-dead’ scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recommended a comprehensive probe into Haryana’s “pension-for-the-dead” scam after observing that neither the District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs) nor the State government took corrective measures to address the widespread issue of pensions being disbursed to deceased or ineligible individuals across the state.

In a status report filed before Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the CBI revealed that its inquiry uncovered fraudulent disbursements within municipal committee jurisdictions selected as samples. “A detailed verification process is needed to determine the extent of pension payments made after death, along with recovery efforts,” the report stated.

The CBI recommended that the state’s vigilance, economic offences branch, or anti-corruption bureau (ACB) register district-wise cases for thorough investigation if any criminality is identified during this verification process.

The court proceedings occurred during the hearing of a petition filed against the CBI and other respondents by Rakesh Bains and other petitioners, represented by advocate Pardeep Kumar Rapria. Justice Bhardwaj has scheduled the next hearing for January 24, 2025.