Bajaj General Insurance has lodged an FIR at Porompat Police Station in Imphal, Manipur, after uncovering a sophisticated NEFT forgery linked to medical reimbursement claims processed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company flagged irregularities when internal checks revealed discrepancies in multiple claims settled via NEFT. According to the insurer, 12 claims were submitted under different identities, but a Penny Drop verification later showed that reimbursements were routed to only five bank accounts. Names verified through the check did not match the claimants, and several forged cheques bearing different identities were found linked to the same bank account numbers, exposing a coordinated fraud attempt.
A company statement said they provided police with forged cheques, claim forms, and banking documents establishing clear evidence of fraudulent intent. One challenge was jurisdiction, as accused individuals were based in multiple locations. However, the insurer traced the fraudulent accounts to an SBI branch in Imphal, allowing local authorities to take the case.
The incident has sparked concerns among financial watchdogs and consumers in Imphal, where digital transactions surged during the pandemic. Local financial consultants say the case highlights loopholes in KYC diligence and underscores the need for stronger fraud screening, especially as insurance and banking services grow in Manipur’s evolving financial marketplace. Despite curfew restrictions and law-and-order challenges in Imphal, Bajaj General Insurance pushed ahead with legal action. The company reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward fraud and pledged full cooperation with police as the case unfolds, cautioning that a wider network, possibly involving healthcare intermediaries, may emerge during investigation.
