Lucknow, May 23, 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested an event manager from Lucknow for embezzling funds meant for artists participating in government-sponsored cultural programmes. The accused, Neel Vijay Singh, was arrested on May 22, 2025, following a complaint from the Department of Culture and a subsequent investigation into financial discrepancies.
The Case Unfolds
The arrest followed a formal complaint received by the STF on May 22 regarding a forged payment letter submitted to the Department of Culture. The letter falsely claimed payment dues related to the India-Nepal cultural event held in Bahraich under the 2024–25 cultural calendar.
Initial investigations revealed that forged bills amounting to over ₹2.4 lakh had been submitted by Neel Vijay Singh in connection with a performance that allegedly took place on February 18, 2025. The bills, reviewed by the treasury office at Jawahar Bhavan, were for artist payments for an event that never occurred. The fraud came to light when the actual artists denied any such performance and the event itself was proven to be fabricated.
Modus Operandi
Neel Vijay Singh, posing as an event manager, was found to have forged the signatures of artists on payment forms and bills. These documents were then submitted to the cultural department to release funds. Investigators also found that he included names of family members—including his brother, mother, sister-in-law, and female associates—falsely identifying them as artists. These individuals allegedly accompanied him to the treasury office to collect the payments.
Singh even went so far as to threaten the actual complainant when questioned about the legitimacy of the event, indicating a premeditated effort to silence inquiries.
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Charges and Further Investigation
Based on interrogation and supporting documents, STF arrested Neel Vijay Singh under FIR No. 3030100 – 212/2025, registered at Gomtinagar Police Station. He has been booked under several sections of the IPC including 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), and 471 (using forged document as genuine), among others.
The STF has confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify the involvement of other officials or event managers. The role of complicit government employees who facilitated the fund clearance is also under scrutiny.
A Wake-Up Call for Cultural Fund Oversight
This case has raised serious concerns about the verification process for artist payments in government-funded cultural events. Authorities are now reviewing similar past transactions and plan to strengthen the checks and balances in fund disbursement systems.
The arrest serves as a stern reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public spending, particularly in sectors meant to support and promote art and culture.