A significant financial scam has been discovered at the Head Post Office in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, causing a decline in public trust in the postal savings system. Postmaster Kunal Makwana, Deputy Postmaster Nirmalsingh Pawar, and Postal Assistant Mepalsingh Gundiya are accused of misappropriating around 35 lakh rupees from customer deposits. The funds allegedly include 6 lakh and 19 thousand rupees from the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana and about 23 lakh rupees from fixed deposits of post office customers.
Police reports suggest that in 2025, the trio misused 38 National Savings Certificates under the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana valued at Rs 6,19,242 and diverted a Rs 6,60,000 cheque meant for a fixed deposit of ASI Gokul Nargesh. Additionally, they are said to have misused three other cheques totaling around Rs 23 lakh, which were intended for fixed deposits. The accused opened fraudulent accounts in the names of 56 individuals, pocketing the cash deposited by these individuals.
A departmental inquiry by the Postal Department confirmed the guilt of the accused, resulting in the suspension of all three individuals. Charges have been filed at Naogaon police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions 316 (5), 318 (4) BNS, 2023 (420, 409 of IPC) equivalent to cheating and criminal breach of trust. The complaint was lodged by the Post Office Inspector based on the inquiry findings.
Kunal Makwana, the primary accused, is a former national-level badminton player and Eklavya Awardee with achievements in state and national competitions, including the All India Badminton Championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999, and international representation for India. Despite securing his government job through the sports quota, he is now accused of breaching trust by manipulating accounts and withdrawing funds for personal use. Following the complaint, Kunal Makwana was arrested from Narmadapuram (Formerly Hoshangabad) and remanded to police custody, while the other two accused are currently evading arrest, with ongoing police raids to locate them.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the embezzlement amounts to approximately Rs 35 lakh, though authorities suspect the actual figure may be higher. A detailed probe is underway, examining post office records, transaction documents, and complaints from affected account holders to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
