In a significant crackdown on legal malpractice, the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) arrested a lawyer from the Kancheepuram court on Friday. The arrest is linked to a sophisticated scam involving motor accident compensation claims, unearthed after a probe initiated by the Anti-Corruption Wing of the Madras High Court.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraud
The accused, identified as Padmanabhan, engaged in a series of irregular practices while handling motor accident compensation cases. Investigators discovered a well-organized network where the lawyer colluded with staff from certain government hospitals and police personnel from the traffic investigation wing. These officials were involved in conducting inquiries into accident cases.
A police officer explained that Padmanabhan's primary method was producing impersonators in court. During trial proceedings and Lok Adalat sessions, these individuals were presented as genuine accident victims or their family members. This deceit was used to settle cases and wrongfully secure compensation amounts from insurance companies.
Four Years of Fraudulent Activities Uncovered
The investigation was triggered by several complaints received directly by the Madras High Court. These complaints alleged that Padmanabhan was manipulating claims, using forged documents, resorting to impersonation, and fraudulently obtaining compensation. The total estimated loss caused by his activities exceeds ₹12 lakh.
Subsequent inquiries revealed a shocking timeline. Padmanabhan had been involved in these fraudulent practices for approximately four years, systematically exploiting the system designed to help genuine victims. Following the high court's direction, the Kancheepuram CB-CID registered a formal case and launched an extensive probe.
Charges and Established Offences
The CB-CID's thorough investigation successfully established Padmanabhan's involvement in multiple illegal activities. The charges against him are severe and include:
- Conspiracy and impersonation in judicial forums.
- Submission of forged and fabricated documents to courts and insurance companies.
- Misappropriation of compensation amounts meant for legitimate accident victims.
The probe highlighted how the fraud undermined the integrity of both the legal process and the insurance claim system, causing significant financial damage.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Action
This arrest underscores the vigilance of the Madras High Court's Anti-Corruption Wing and the CB-CID in tackling corruption within the legal and administrative ecosystem. The case exposes a vulnerable link in the motor accident claim process where collusion between a lawyer, hospital staff, and police can lead to large-scale fraud.
The arrest sends a strong message against such malpractices and is likely to lead to further scrutiny of similar claims. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation to identify and act against all other individuals involved in this network.
