Fake road accident claims case in SC: Crime Branch will fully expose racket, says Odisha Advocate General

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed in Odisha to probe alleged fake road accident insurance claims, Advocate General (AG) Pitambar Acharya informed the Supreme Court of India on Monday.

Also Read: Around 15 persons die every day due to road mishaps: Odisha Minister

The SIT, constituted under the leadership of the Crime Branch IG, is investigating what appears to be a well-organised racket. The development came after Oriental Insurance Company approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns over fraudulent compensation claims.

Preliminary findings indicate that fake claims were filed in as many as 70 road accident cases across the State. In at least four of these cases, compensation was reportedly secured through fabricated claims.

Authorities suspect the involvement of multiple stakeholders in these fake claims, including insurance staff, police personnel, and legal professionals. So far, five individuals — including a lawyer — have been arrested in connection with the alleged fraud.

“Some unscrupulous officers from insurance companies, along with certain police officers, lawyers, and insurance company officials, are fully active and are involved in this racket. Following an investigation by the Odisha Crime Branch, it was discovered that fake claims were filed in nearly four cases, through which compensation was also obtained from the court,” the Advocate General said while speaking to mediapersons.

“We have initiated an inquiry into these matters. The Crime Branch has already arrested about five individuals, including a lawyer and a couple of insurance company employees. The driver and the owner involved have also been arrested,” AG Acharya stated.

“The Crime Branch will fully expose this racket. The Supreme Court, in its recent order, highly praised the Government’s actions and the Crime Branch's investigative methods,” the Advocate General added.