3 arrested for illegally obtaining ESI cards with fake documents at Rajajinagar hospital

BENGALURU: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested three people for creating fake companies and illegally obtaining ESI cards and e-pehchan cards for ineligible people, thereby cheating the government of thousands of rupees, in Bengaluru.

A case was registered in CCB against six people. The fraudsters got their clients to believe that they were paying Rs 500 every month to the government whereas in reality, they pocketed it. By doing so, they also blocked deserving beneficiaries from getting treatment while allowing for ineligible persons to avail treatment at the ESI Hospital in Rajajinagar.

The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) provides full medical care to employees in any office or factory earling below Rs 21,000 monthly income. But, the police found ineligible people getting its benefits.

The accused, Shashikala, an ESIC Hospital auditor, used to prepare ESI and e-pehchan cards based on fake documents. The other accused, Ramesh, Shivalingu, Shweta, including security guard Sridhar, were involved in the illegal act.

The scam was uncovered after a complaint was filed and an investigation was conducted under the guidance of the CCB Inspector.  An FIR has been registered and further investigation is ongoing.