A suspected embezzlement of around ₹85 lakh from the General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts of government employees has been reported at the District Women’s Hospital in Mahoba. A clerk posted at the hospital allegedly prepared forged documents and facilitated withdrawals from his own GPF account and those of one or two other employees despite insufficient funds being available in the accounts. The alleged irregularities came to light during an audit by a three-member team from the Accountant General’s office in Prayagraj. The clerk is reportedly missing along with important files connected with the GPF records.
Government employees are allowed to withdraw a portion of their GPF savings under prescribed rules for specified requirements, including medical treatment, children’s education and other essential needs. The amount that can be withdrawn depends on the applicable rules and the balance available in the employee’s account. Investigators suspect that the clerk allegedly misused this system to facilitate withdrawals that were not supported by genuine records.
According to the preliminary findings, the clerk allegedly processed withdrawals not only from his own GPF account but also from the accounts of one or two other employees. Despite inadequate balances in the accounts, forged documents and allegedly fabricated records were prepared and used to support the withdrawals. The money was reportedly released in several instalments over a period of time. The total amount identified so far is estimated at around ₹85 lakh.
The suspected irregularity was detected during an audit conducted by a three-member team from the Accountant General’s office in Prayagraj. The team examined the GPF accounts maintained at the hospital along with supporting records and identified discrepancies between the amounts withdrawn and the funds actually available in the accounts. A detailed comparison of documents reportedly raised questions about the authenticity of several records, following which health department officials were informed.
The case became more serious after the clerk allegedly disappeared with important files soon after the irregularities came under scrutiny. The missing records reportedly include files and documents related to GPF withdrawals. Their absence could complicate efforts to determine how the alleged transactions were processed, which documents were used to support them and at what level the payments were approved.
Hospital authorities said the audit team began examining the relevant records after detecting the suspected financial irregularities. The disappearance of the clerk with the files subsequently came to light. Officials are now trying to determine which original documents were in his possession and whether any of them were altered, fabricated or removed to conceal the alleged transactions.
Health department officials said the ₹85 lakh figure is based on the preliminary findings and may increase once the detailed investigation is completed. Investigators are expected to examine all relevant GPF accounts, withdrawal applications, approval orders, payment records and supporting documents. The objective will be to establish the exact amount allegedly withdrawn and identify every transaction connected with the suspected embezzlement.
The name of a driver has also reportedly surfaced during the preliminary inquiry. However, his exact role has not yet been established. Officials said it would be possible to determine the involvement of different employees only after the records and financial transactions have been examined in detail.
The matter has been reported to senior authorities. The investigation will focus on identifying who allegedly prepared the forged documents, who approved the withdrawals and where the money was ultimately transferred or withdrawn. Recovering the missing files will also be an important part of the inquiry, as the documents could contain crucial evidence about the alleged transactions.
The health department is now facing the task of securing the remaining records and determining the actual extent of the suspected financial irregularity. If the investigation confirms that GPF funds were withdrawn through forged documents or manipulated records, departmental and legal action could follow against those found responsible.
Officials have maintained that the preliminary figure of ₹85 lakh should not be treated as the final amount until the detailed audit and investigation are completed. The inquiry will also establish whether the alleged fraud was limited to the accounts already identified or involved additional employees and transactions. The final responsibility will be fixed after the records, financial trail and roles of all suspected individuals have been thoroughly examined.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
