A major payroll fraud has been uncovered in the Mumbai Police, where investigators found that salaries worth approximately ₹6.41 crore were paid to 10 “ghost employees” who were never part of the police force. The alleged fraud came to light during the transfer and verification of payroll records, leading to the registration of a criminal case against five departmental staff members. A detailed investigation is now underway to determine the full extent of the financial irregularities.
According to officials, the discrepancy surfaced while payroll records were being reconciled and transferred. During the verification process, investigators discovered that 10 individuals with no official association with the Mumbai Police had repeatedly been shown as employees of the North Regional Division. Bank accounts had allegedly been opened in their names, into which monthly salaries were regularly credited.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fraudulent transactions primarily took place during two separate periods. The first phase extended from December 2019 to February 2020, while the second occurred between June and September 2020. Investigators suspect that official payroll records were manipulated during these periods to facilitate the unauthorized disbursement of government funds.
According to the case registered at Samta Nagar Police Station, ministerial-level clerical staff allegedly prepared forged attendance registers, service records, and other official documents to create fictitious employees. Investigators believe these fabricated records enabled outsiders to be included in the department’s payroll system and receive regular salary payments despite having no legitimate employment with the police department.
Officials believe the continued release of such a substantial amount of public money over an extended period points to serious lapses in payroll verification and internal financial controls. Investigators are examining whether the fraud was carried out solely by the accused employees or whether other departmental officials or external individuals were also involved.
The investigation has now expanded to include the bank accounts into which the salaries were credited. Authorities are tracing the account holders, examining how the funds were withdrawn or utilized, and determining whether the money was subsequently transferred to other accounts. Banking transactions, financial records, and digital evidence are also being scrutinized as part of the probe.
Officials said all documents related to the payroll system, including attendance registers, appointment records, salary approvals, and payment files, have been secured for forensic examination. If investigators establish that digital records were manipulated or official documents were forged, additional criminal charges may be invoked under the applicable laws.
The case has also raised broader concerns regarding payroll management, employee verification, and internal oversight mechanisms within government departments. Experts believe that regular digital audits, periodic employee verification exercises, and stringent payroll reconciliation procedures are essential to prevent such fraudulent practices. Investigators are also examining whether similar irregularities may have occurred in other units of the Mumbai Police or elsewhere within the department.
At present, Samta Nagar Police have registered a case against five departmental employees and initiated a comprehensive investigation. Officials stated that the role of every individual connected with the alleged fraud will be examined based on documentary evidence, banking records, and other material collected during the investigation. If the probe establishes the involvement of additional officials, employees, or external persons, appropriate legal action will be taken against them. The investigation remains at a preliminary stage, and authorities expect further findings to reveal the complete scale of the scam and identify all those responsible.
