In a major administrative action in the ₹1.42 crore pension scam that surfaced in the state treasury in Lucknow, former accountant Renuka has been dismissed from service. The decision was taken based on findings of a detailed departmental inquiry, which held her as the main accused in the entire fraud. The action had been approved at the government level nearly two months ago and has now come into the public domain.
In this high-profile case, the criminal proceedings registered earlier by police are currently under trial in court. Renuka Ram, a resident of Naugarh in Siddharthnagar district, continues to face legal proceedings, while departmental action has resulted in her removal from service.
Modus Operandi Exposed in Probe
A detailed investigation conducted by a gazetted officer revealed shocking details. According to the inquiry report, Renuka single-handedly executed the fraud. She allegedly used documents of her relatives and acquaintances to open multiple bank accounts in their names.
She kept control over ATM cards, passbooks, and other banking documents linked to these accounts. Thereafter, she systematically transferred pension funds into these accounts and later withdrew the money herself.
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What made the case more alarming was that the individuals in whose names the accounts were opened had no knowledge of the transactions. This led investigators to conclude that Renuka Ram was solely responsible for the fraud.
From FIR to Arrest
The case was registered on November 27, 2023, at Kaiserbagh police station. Along with Renuka Ram, her relatives Vishal, Gulbhi, Ramrati, and acquaintance Pratindra Kashyap were named in the FIR. It was alleged that pension funds amounting to ₹1.42 crore were fraudulently transferred into their accounts and later siphoned off.
Following the investigation, police arrested Renuka on December 15, 2023, and sent her to jail. She was simultaneously suspended from service, and a departmental inquiry was initiated against her.
Strong Evidence in Departmental Inquiry
During the departmental probe, substantial evidence was found against her. The report clearly stated that she misused her official position to embezzle government funds. After remaining pending at the file level for a long period, the matter reached higher authorities, who took serious note of the charges.
Accepting the inquiry findings, the government ordered her dismissal from service. Officials emphasized that strict action in such cases is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in government departments.
Treasury Department Under Scanner
This is not the first time the treasury department has come under scrutiny. Last year, a female employee was caught accepting a bribe and was arrested by the anti-corruption unit. In another case, pension withdrawals continued in the name of a deceased person, and recovery proceedings are still ongoing.
These incidents have raised serious concerns over internal controls and monitoring mechanisms. Experts believe that stronger digital monitoring and audit systems are essential in departments dealing with financial transactions.
Investigation and Trial Continue
At present, the criminal case is pending in court, with the chargesheet already filed by police. Proceedings are ongoing, and further developments are expected during the trial.
With departmental action completed, authorities have sent a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated at any level. The case highlights the risks of weak internal controls and demonstrates how a single individual can exploit systemic gaps to execute a large-scale financial fraud.
The final verdict in this case is expected to carry significant implications, not only in terms of legal accountability but also for strengthening governance and financial oversight in public institutions.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
