The investigation into Chhattisgarh’s alleged ₹17-crore fake snakebite compensation scam has intensified after three clerical staff members of the Bilaspur tehsil office were suspended following their arrest, triggering protests by government employee unions and raising concerns over administrative functioning in the district.

The latest development comes after Bilaspur Police arrested revenue clerks Garib Binjhwar, Narendra Kaushik and Hariram Rathore in connection with the alleged fraudulent disbursement of compensation meant for families of snakebite victims. The three were subsequently suspended from service. Police have also indicated that statements from eight more revenue employees are yet to be recorded as the probe expands.

The arrests have prompted strong opposition from the Chhattisgarh Revenue Clerks’ Association and the Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Service Association. Both organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and warned of a collective leave if action against employees continues without what they describe as a fair and transparent inquiry.

Earlier, police had already arrested Govind Vishwakarma, Vakil Khandekar and Dr Priyanka Soni in the same case. Investigators say more employees could come under scrutiny as evidence is examined.

Tehsil Work Comes to a Halt

In protest against the arrests, clerical staff in the Bilaspur tehsil office observed a day-long strike under the banner of the Revenue Clerks’ Association. The protest disrupted routine public services, including mutation, land partition and demarcation proceedings.

Citizens visiting the tehsil office from distant areas reportedly returned without getting their work done. Even though the tehsildar remained present in court, proceedings could not move forward because supporting staff and files were unavailable during the strike.

The unions claim employees were arrested after being called to police stations merely for recording statements, creating an atmosphere of fear among revenue personnel across the district.

More Employees Under Scanner

According to police, eight additional clerks have been summoned for questioning in connection with separate FIRs registered at Sarkanda police station. Employee representatives say all of them cooperated with investigators when they appeared before police on July 23, but now fear further arrests.

As the probe gathers pace, reports suggest several employees are attempting to secure transfers to other offices amid concerns over the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, notices have also been served to seven tehsildars. The Junior Administrative Service Association has submitted a memorandum to senior government officials, arguing that responsibility for approving compensation rests with the presiding authority rather than clerical staff.

Unions Question Role of Clerks

Employee organisations maintain that revenue clerks and readers are responsible only for placing documents and maintaining court records. They argue that final approval of compensation claims lies with the competent authority and that clerical staff should not be held solely accountable before the investigation is completed.

The unions have sought a comprehensive inquiry into allegations involving forged signatures, fake seals and fabricated affidavits, insisting that action should target those directly responsible for approving fraudulent claims rather than employees handling documentation.

How the Alleged Scam Worked

The alleged fraud surfaced after a significant mismatch was found between official snakebite deaths and compensation claims.

According to figures cited in the investigation, Jashpur district recorded 96 snakebite deaths over the past three years, while Bilaspur alone allegedly processed compensation for 431 snakebite deaths worth around ₹17.24 crore.

The issue gained political attention after it was raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly by BJP MLA Sushant Shukla. Following the uproar, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma ordered a high-level inquiry and assured strict action against those found guilty.

Under government norms, the family of a person who dies from a snakebite is entitled to financial assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Investigators allege that forged medical records, fabricated official documents and fake snakebite certificates were used to claim compensation in cases where deaths had occurred due to other causes. Police also claim that in several instances compensation was withdrawn without the knowledge or consent of the deceased's family members.

The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of 17 people, including doctors, police personnel and revenue department employees. According to investigators, an organised network allegedly facilitated fake compensation claims by preparing forged documentation in exchange for money, with multiple departments suspected to have been involved.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing, and further arrests are possible as police examine financial transactions, official records and the role of additional government employees.