In a shocking revelation, a vast insurance scam worth hundreds of crores has been unearthed in Sambhal, leading to the filing of an extensive 800-page chargesheet against 11 accused individuals. This group, dubbed the "insurance mafia," allegedly orchestrated fraudulent life insurance policies involving terminally ill patients and even deceased individuals to siphon off money from major insurance companies.
The investigation, first reported by The Times of India, was spearheaded by Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, Assistant Superintendent of Police Anukriti Sharma, and Circle Officer Deepak Kumar. It was triggered by a tip-off that revealed a 26-member syndicate operating across multiple states.
According to ASP Anukriti Sharma, the chargesheet, filed on April 17, 2025, contains detailed evidence collected since January 17, when police intercepted an SUV in Sambhal. The vehicle contained unexplained cash, PAN cards, and debit cards, which led to the unearthing of the scam that spanned across 12 states.
As of now, 11 individuals have been named in the chargesheet, including Omkareshwar Mishra from Varanasi, Surajpal, Shahrukh Khan from Sambhal, and Shivendra Kumar from Bihar. The police have indicated that this is an ongoing investigation, with many other suspects still at large. Their names are expected to be included in supplementary chargesheets as the investigation progresses.
The gang's operations were characterized by a calculated and unethical model, primarily targeting poor, terminally ill individuals. These vulnerable individuals were falsely portrayed as healthy to insurance firms, allowing the gang to secure policies in their names. Since these individuals were often close to death, the gang paid the premium amounts themselves.
Once the insured individuals passed away, the criminals swiftly claimed the full insurance amounts and disappeared. In several alarming instances, the gang even managed to forge backdated policies for individuals who had already died, further complicating the web of deceit.
ASP Sharma noted, "In certain cases, they offered the deceased's family a small share of the claim money. In others, the family concerned was left completely unaware and uncompensated." This revelation highlights the depths of exploitation employed by the syndicate, which preyed on the most vulnerable members of society.
Since the investigation began, a total of 14 FIRs have been filed in police stations across Sambhal and neighboring districts, including Badaun, Moradabad, and Amroha. The authorities are working diligently to track down the remaining members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation within the insurance industry, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that further measures will be implemented to safeguard against such fraudulent activities in the future.
The insurance companies affected by this scam include reputable firms such as ICICI Prudential, PNB MetLife, Bajaj Allianz, and SBI Life Insurance. These companies have been urged to review their policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
As the story unfolds, the community remains on high alert, with many expressing shock at the audacity of the scheme and the impact it has had on the lives of those targeted. The police are committed to uncovering the full extent of the operation and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
In conclusion, the Sambhal insurance scam highlights a disturbing trend of exploitation within the insurance sector, particularly targeting the most vulnerable. As investigations continue, it is crucial for authorities to implement stronger safeguards to protect individuals from such fraudulent schemes in the future.
