Trust in government savings schemes took a severe hit after a Rs 35 lakh embezzlement scandal erupted at Dhar’s chief post office in Madhya Pradesh. The prime suspect, a one-time national badminton star, has been taken into custody, exposing deep rot within the system.
According to police, Postmaster Kunal Makwana orchestrated the fraud alongside Deputy Postmaster Nirmal Singh Pawar and Postal Assistant Maple Singh Gundia. They allegedly looted customer funds, including Rs 6.19 lakh from the girl-child welfare Ladli Laxmi scheme and a whopping Rs 23 lakh from fixed deposits.
Details of the deceit paint a grim picture: In 2025, the accused improperly utilized 38 National Savings Certificates valued at Rs 6,19,242 from Ladli Laxmi. Cheques for Rs 6.6 lakh intended for ASI Gokul Nargesh’s FD were rerouted, along with three other cheques totaling Rs 23 lakh. Adding to the audacity, they created 56 bogus accounts in unsuspecting individuals’ names and absconded with the deposits.
The Postal Department’s internal probe substantiated the charges, resulting in the trio’s suspension. FIRs for fraud and breach of trust were filed at Naugaon police station.
Once a celebrated athlete, Kunal Makwana earned the Eklavya Award and multiple medals in state and national badminton events, including All India Championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999. He even donned India’s colors abroad and landed his post via sports quota.
Acting on a tip-off, authorities apprehended Makwana in Narmadapuram and secured police remand from court. Efforts to capture the fugitives Pawar and Gundia are intensifying with ongoing operations.
While initial estimates stand at Rs 35 lakh, investigators believe the actual misappropriated sum may exceed this. Scrutiny of ledgers, passbooks, and victim statements continues to piece together the conspiracy.