The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court in Dehradun has convicted and sentenced eight officials linked to a fraud case involving the Public Works Department (PWD) for an amount of Rs. 55 lakh. This case, originating in 2003 in Haridwar, has now concluded with a verdict issued on March 20, 2026.

The convicted individuals include Deepak Kumar Verma, a Lower Division Clerk; Madan Pal, a Mate; Mani Ram, a Beldar; Surendra Kumar Kaushik, a Driver; Kasim, a retired Beldar from PWD Haridwar; Sukhpal Singh, an Upper Division Clerk; Chatar Singh, a Roller Driver from PWD Roorkee; and Palu Das, an Assistant Treasury Officer from Treasury Haridwar. Each convicted individual received a sentence of two years of rigorous imprisonment, in addition to a collective fine of Rs. 2.85 lakh.

Background of the Fraud Case

The case was initiated after a directive from the Uttarakhand High Court, dated May 7, 2003, mandating the CBI to take over the investigation. The agency registered the case on August 9, 2003. It was alleged that, between 2001 and 2002, several PWD officials colluded with private individuals to misappropriate government funds. They achieved this by issuing and encashing fraudulent and unauthorized departmental cheques that collectively amounted to Rs. 55,10,511. Following a thorough investigation, the CBI submitted a charge sheet on June 15, 2005, targeting 12 public servants and eight private individuals.

Details of the Trial and Convictions

As the trial progressed, four of the accused—Ravindra Shrivastava, Sukhchand Tyagi, Dharmendra Kumar Bhatnagar, and Ilamchan—passed away, resulting in the cessation of proceedings against them. Additionally, seven other individuals—Rekha Negi, Punam Verma, Pratibha, Sanjay Kumar, Chandrawati, Rajpal, and Reena Srivastav—pleaded guilty earlier and were convicted separately by the trial court. After evaluating the evidence presented during the proceedings, the court ultimately convicted and sentenced the aforementioned eight officials while acquitting one private individual, Pradeep Kumar Verma, of all charges.

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