Nashik Crime Branch Investigates Alleged Fake Employee Network Linked to Government Salary Payments
The Nashik Crime Branch has arrested an education trust director in connection with an alleged ₹160 crore Shalarth ID scam involving forged appointment approvals, fabricated employee records and fraudulent salary withdrawals from Maharashtra's education payroll system.
According to police, Sanjay Bhaskarrao Garud (67), founder-director of the Shendurni Education Society, was arrested from a farmhouse in Natepute, Solapur district, following technical surveillance and intelligence inputs.
Investigators allege that fake appointment approvals and fabricated entries in the state's Shalarth salary management system enabled the fraudulent withdrawal of government salaries and arrears over several years. The allegations remain under investigation, and no court has determined the guilt of the accused.
Investigation Began After Official Complaint
The case was registered at Nashik Road Police Station in March 2026 following a complaint lodged by the Office of the Deputy Director of Education, Nashik Division.
According to investigators, the probe revealed that 841 teaching and non-teaching employees across the districts of:
- Nashik
- Jalgaon
- Dhule
- Nandurbar
were allegedly entered into the Shalarth payroll system without valid recruitment proposals or approvals from the competent authorities.
Police allege that forged appointment orders and fabricated Shalarth IDs were subsequently used to facilitate salary disbursements.
Large-scale public fund investigations typically require detailed Financial Investigation to verify payroll records, trace fund flows and identify the complete financial impact of alleged fraud.
177 Employees Linked to Institutions Managed by the Accused
According to investigators, Garud allegedly facilitated fake approval records relating to 177 teaching and non-teaching employees across 15 educational institutions managed by his education society.
Police claim that no valid recruitment proposals had been submitted before these appointments were reflected in the payroll system.
Authorities are examining whether forged documentation enabled government salary payments to individuals who were allegedly appointed without lawful approval.
Fake Shalarth IDs Allegedly Created
Investigators further allege that fabricated Shalarth IDs were created in the names of individuals who did not actually exist.
According to police, these alleged fake employee profiles were then used to process:
- Government salaries
- Salary arrears
- Other employee-related financial benefits
Authorities believe the scheme involved systematic document forgery, manipulation of official records and misuse of administrative processes.
Independent Internal Audit Services and digital payroll verification can play an important role in identifying irregular employee records before public funds are released.
Over 200 Schools Under Investigation
Police stated that the investigation has expanded significantly.
According to investigators:
- More than 200 schools are under scrutiny.
- Over 1,200 individuals have been identified as accused in the broader conspiracy.
- Five people have been arrested so far.
Authorities continue to analyse seized documents, digital records and financial transactions to determine the role of additional individuals.
Financial and Digital Evidence Under Examination
Investigators are reviewing:
- Appointment approval records
- Payroll documents
- Digital database entries
- Banking transactions
- Salary disbursement records
- Official correspondence
The investigation seeks to determine the authenticity of recruitment records and establish how government funds were allegedly withdrawn.
Proper Bookkeeping Services, payroll reconciliation and documentation controls are essential for maintaining transparency in organisations handling public funds.
SIT Continues Probe
The investigation is being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Maharashtra Government.
Police stated that irregularities identified within the Shalarth portal suggest forged approvals and fabricated employee records may have been used over an extended period.
Earlier during the investigation, a former Zilla Parishad Education Officer was also arrested in connection with the case.
Authorities indicated that examination of financial records, digital evidence and official documents remains ongoing, and further arrests may follow based on the findings.
Experts Call for Stronger Digital Verification
Experts have highlighted the need for stronger safeguards in government payroll systems, including:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Digital verification of appointments
- Regular payroll audits
- Data analytics-based anomaly detection
- Independent verification of employee records
- Periodic compliance reviews
Such measures can help reduce the risk of fraudulent entries and strengthen accountability in public financial administration.
Investigation Continues
The SIT continues to investigate the alleged conspiracy involving forged appointment approvals, fake employee identities and fraudulent salary withdrawals.
Further action will depend upon documentary evidence, digital forensic analysis, financial records and statements recorded during the investigation.
No finding of guilt has been made against the accused at this stage.