Bhopal: Police Headquarters Notices To 60 Cops In Medical Bill Scam

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The PHQ has served show cause notices on 60 police personnel for withdrawing their medical bills reimbursement more than once. The scam may exceed Rs 4 crore after the submission of the replies, said officials here on Thursday.

Earlier in January this year, the PHQ accounts department uncovered irregularities related to cops’ medical bill claims. Following an internal inquiry, the PHQ suspended three officers and formed a five-member SIT to look into the anomalies.

After scrutinizing the submitted and withdrawn medical bills claims, it was found that some policemen, posted in different sections and departments, had submitted prolonged medical bills more than three times,” said an official. These personnel have been asked to submit their replies to the notices in the first week of April.

The PHQ has also written to the civil surgeon of JP Hospital asking him to verify the health certificates issued by the hospital. The letter includes a list of over 75 personnel, and the report from the hospital is expected soon, the official said.

Details of medical certificate sought

The cops have been asked to share the details of their medical certificates. The PHQ wants to know- From where the personnel got the certificate prepared; if any commission paid for obtaining the certificate; the number of fake and genuine certificates.

Financial anomaly may cross Rs 4 cr

DIG Accounts Santosh Singh Gaur, speaking to Free Press, stated that personnel who received illegal reimbursements against their medical bills will be required to return the amount. If they fail to do so, the amount will be deducted from their salaries, said the official, adding that the personnel found guilty will face action. The officer further noted that the total financial irregularities may exceed Rs 4 crore.

Treasury dept employees also under lens

PHQ officials have also raised questions over the functioning of treasury officials. Several bills were allegedly approved after minor modifications, such as changing the font or making small changes. Some cops submitted the bills twice within a 15 min gap and withdrew the amount. Some police personnel reportedly submitted the same bills twice within a 15-minute gap and withdrew the amount. PHQ officials are now questioning treasury employees’ involvement in the wrongdoings.