Former KBC Winner Amita Singh Tomar Arrested in Multi-Crore Flood Relief Scam
Amita Singh Tomar, who gained national fame after winning Rs 50 lakh on the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 5 hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, has been arrested in connection with a significant financial fraud case. The former tehsildar was taken into custody on Thursday for her alleged role in a Rs 2.5 crore flood relief scam that occurred in 2021.
Arrest Details and Legal Proceedings
According to official reports from PTI, Tomar was arrested from her residence in Gwalior's Chandravadni Naka area by a police team led by Baroda Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Avneet Sharma. She had been serving as the tehsildar of Vijaypur but was removed from her position by Collector Arpit Verma just one day prior to her arrest.
The case involves alleged irregularities in the Baroda tehsil of Sheopur district, where funds meant for flood relief were reportedly diverted into fake bank accounts. Following her arrest, Tomar was produced in court and has been lodged in a jail in neighbouring Shivpuri district.
Tomar had previously sought anticipatory bail from both the High Court and the Supreme Court, but both appeals were rejected, paving the way for her arrest. Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Agarwal confirmed that Tomar had been absent from her official duties, prompting police to trace and apprehend her in Gwalior.
Scope of the Investigation
The flood relief scam investigation has led to multiple arrests so far, including:
- 22 patwaris (revenue officials)
- One tehsildar (Amita Singh Tomar)
Approximately 110 individuals have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) related to this case. The investigation is being conducted by the SDOP of Baroda tehsil under the supervision of higher authorities.
Tomar's KBC Journey and Historic Win
Amita Singh Tomar's rise to prominence began when she appeared on episode 21 of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 5. Her path to the hot seat started with winning the fastest finger first round, earning her the opportunity to face Amitabh Bachchan in the main game.
The crucial Rs 50 lakh question presented by Bachchan tested her historical knowledge: 'In the 1857 War, who was the Commander of the British army who fought against Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tatya Tope in Gwalior?'
After careful consideration of the four options:
- Hugh Rose
- Colonel Neill
- William Hodson
- John Nicholson
Tomar correctly selected Hugh Rose as her final answer, securing the substantial prize money that brought her into the national spotlight. This achievement made her one of the notable winners from the show's fifth season.
The contrast between her television success and current legal troubles highlights a dramatic turn in her public profile, from celebrated quiz show contestant to accused participant in a major financial scandal.
