Data Entry Operator Held for Embezzling ₹6 Lakh in Himachal’s Unemployment Allowance Scam

Hamirpur, June 9:
A serious case of embezzlement has come to light at the Sub-Employment Exchange Office in Mehre, located in the Salouni area of Hamirpur district. A woman data entry operator has been arrested for allegedly siphoning off ₹6 lakh meant for unemployment allowance disbursed to local youth.

The scam was uncovered when several beneficiaries reported that the expected allowance had not been credited to their accounts. Following their complaints, an internal inquiry was conducted, revealing that funds intended for the unemployed were fraudulently diverted into the operator’s personal account.

The accused had been working at the office on an outsourced basis since 2017 but was terminated about a year ago. However, the misappropriation is believed to have occurred during 2021–22. It is alleged that instead of transferring the monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to the eligible candidates, she manipulated the records to credit the funds to her own account.

The matter was referred to the head office in Shimla last year for investigation. On receiving directives from Shimla, the District Employment Officer formally filed a police complaint.

DSP Lalman Sharma confirmed the arrest, stating that the accused woman has been taken into custody and has been remanded to five days of police custody for further investigation.