In a shocking turn of events, a former national badminton champion has been arrested in connection with a massive financial fraud at a post office in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The scam, involving the misappropriation of around Rs 35 lakh from customer deposits, has severely shaken public trust in the postal savings system.
Police sources revealed that Kunal Makwana, the postmaster at Dhar’s main post office, allegedly colluded with Deputy Postmaster Nirmal Singh Pawar and Postal Assistant Maple Singh Gundia to siphon off funds. The embezzled amount includes approximately Rs 6.19 lakh from the Ladli Laxmi scheme, designed to support girl child education, and Rs 23 lakh from fixed deposits.
Investigations uncovered that in 2025, the trio misused 38 National Savings Certificates worth Rs 6,19,242 under the Ladli Laxmi Yojana. They also diverted cheques totaling Rs 6.6 lakh meant for ASI Gokul Nargesh’s fixed deposit and three additional cheques amounting to Rs 23 lakh. Shockingly, 56 fraudulent accounts were opened in other people’s names, with the deposited cash pocketed by the accused.
A departmental inquiry by the Postal Department confirmed their guilt, leading to the suspension of all three. Cases of cheating and criminal breach of trust have been registered at Naugaon police station.
Kunal Makwana, the prime accused, boasts an illustrious sporting past. A recipient of the Eklavya Award, he won medals in All India Badminton Championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999, represented India internationally, and secured a government job through sports quota.
Following a complaint, police arrested Makwana from Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad) and produced him in court, where he was remanded to police custody. The other two accused remain at large, with raids underway to nab them.
Preliminary probes peg the fraud at Rs 35 lakh, but officials suspect the figure could be higher. A thorough investigation into post office records, transaction documents, and affected account holders’ complaints is ongoing to unravel the full extent of the scam.