CBI recommends comprehensive probe in pension-for-the-dead case

The CBI has recommended comprehensive investigation in pension-for-the-dead case. the recommendation case after the premier investigating agency observed that corrective actions were not taken by the District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs) or the State to address the widespread scam of distribution of pensions to dead or ineligible persons throughout Haryana.

In a status report filed before Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the CBI asserted that inquiry revealed fraudulent disbursement of pensions to beneficiaries in jurisdictions of municipal committees selected as samples.

“A detailed verification process is needed to determine the extent of pension payments made after death, along with recovery efforts. It is recommended that district-wise cases be registered by the State vigilance/economic offences branch/anti-corruption bureau (ACB) of the State of Haryana for a thorough investigation into the fraudulent distribution of pensions, if any criminality is found pursuant to such detailed verification,” it was added.

The developments took place during the hearing of a petition filed against the CBI and other respondents by Rakesh Bains and other petitioner through advocate Pardeep Kumar Rapria. Taking up the matter, Justice Bhardwaj fixed January 24, 2025, as the next date of hearing.