Dhar/Bhopal, Feb 7 (NationPress) A significant financial scandal has emerged at the Head Post Office located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, leading to a substantial loss of public trust in the postal savings system.

As per law enforcement officials, Postmaster Kunal Makwana, together with Deputy Postmaster Nirmalsingh Pawar and Postal Assistant Mepalsingh Gundiya, are accused of misappropriating approximately 35 lakh rupees from customer deposits.

The embezzled amounts encompass around 6 lakh and 19 thousand rupees from the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, a government initiative designed to aid girls, and nearly 23 lakh rupees from the fixed deposits of post office clients, according to police reports.

In 2025, the suspects allegedly exploited 38 National Savings Certificates under the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana valued at Rs 6,19,242 and misdirected a cheque for Rs 6,60,000 intended for a fixed deposit belonging to ASI Gokul Nargesh.

Additionally, they are said to have misused three other cheques amounting to about Rs 23 lakh, which were also designated for fixed deposits. Fraudulent accounts were created in the names of 56 other individuals, and the funds deposited by these individuals were misappropriated by the accused.

A departmental inquiry conducted by the Postal Department validated their wrongdoing, resulting in the suspension of all three individuals. A case has been filed at Naogaon police station under pertinent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions 316 (5), 318 (4) BNS, 2023 (420, 409 of IPC) which correspond to cheating and criminal breach of trust.

The complaint was initiated by the Post Office Inspector based on the findings of the inquiry.

Kunal Makwana, the primary suspect, is a former national-level badminton player and Eklavya Awardee, having achieved medals in state and national tournaments, including the All India Badminton Championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999, and has represented India on an international level.

He acquired his government position through the sports quota but stands accused of violating the trust placed in him by manipulating accounts and withdrawing funds for personal gain.

In response to the complaint, police apprehended Kunal Makwana in Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad) and presented him in court, where he was remanded into police custody. The other two suspects are currently evading arrest, with ongoing raids to locate them.

Initial investigations suggest that the embezzlement totals approximately Rs 35 lakh, although authorities believe the actual amount may be higher. A comprehensive investigation continues, scrutinizing post office records, transaction documents, and complaints from affected account holders to reveal the complete scope of the fraud.