Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe fraudulent motor vehicle insurance claims, the Supreme Court of India was informed during a hearing.
Advocate General of Odisha Pitambar Acharya apprised the apex court that the SIT has been formed under the leadership of Crime Branch Inspector General Sarthak Sarangi to investigate the alleged irregularities.
During the proceedings, Acharya informed the court that authorities have so far identified 104 suspicious motor vehicle insurance claims. Out of these, 70 claims have been verified as fake. He further stated that in four of the confirmed fraudulent cases, beneficiaries had already received insurance payouts.
The matter reached the Supreme Court after Oriental Insurance Company filed a petition seeking action against the alleged fraudulent claims and a thorough investigation into the racket.
Acharya also informed the court that five persons, including an advocate, have been arrested in connection with the case. He added that the Supreme Court appreciated the Odisha government’s prompt and effective steps in addressing the issue and initiating a detailed probe.
The SIT is expected to further examine the network involved in fabricating claims and recommend appropriate legal action against those found guilty.
