In a case highlighting alleged corruption in government departments, the Sohana police in Mohali have arrested a woman outsourced clerk for fraudulently drawing her salary by submitting fabricated attendance records. The accused, identified as Komal Sharma, a resident of Subhash Nagar, Manimajra, Chandigarh, was employed with the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to police officials, Komal Sharma was posted at the Chairman's camp office located in Sector 76, Mohali. However, her attendance records were required to be submitted at the board's head office in Sector 27, Chandigarh. Investigators allege that Sharma remained absent from duty for a prolonged period but continued to submit attendance reports, enabling her to illegally draw her monthly salary.
The scam came to light when her attendance report for December 2025 was delayed. Upon verification, authorities discovered a stark discrepancy: while the records showed regular attendance, she had not been physically present for work. A subsequent departmental inquiry confirmed the irregularity.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
Following the internal probe, the Chairman of the Board referred the matter to the vigilance bureau. The complaint was later forwarded to the Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), leading to the registration of a formal case at the Sohana police station.
Police have booked Komal Sharma under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She was produced before a duty magistrate on Sunday and has been sent to police remand. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harsimran Singh Bal confirmed the arrest and remand. Police stated that all relevant records are being scrutinised and that further legal action will follow based on the investigation.
Political Connections and Reactions
The case has taken a political turn due to the accused's family connections. Komal Sharma is the sister-in-law of Suman Amit Sharma, the councillor of ward 4 in Chandigarh. Notably, the councillor recently quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has expressed concern over the arrest, alleging political vendetta by the AAP-led state government. In a statement, SAD claimed that the timing and manner of the arrest indicated a misuse of state machinery against political opponents.
Officials, however, have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that misuse of government funds and fraudulent practices in government and semi-government departments will be dealt with strictly. This case is seen as part of a broader crackdown on corruption within public sector undertakings.
