'Bring Me Back to Life' — How a Dalit Youth Was Declared Dead in Government Records in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal. A shocking case from Bagalkhedi village in Makhan Nagar tehsil of Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh, has raised serious questions about government processes and corruption.

A Dalit man was declared dead in official documents in 2020, and ₹5,000 was withdrawn in his name under the "funeral assistance" scheme. The fraud came to light when the complainant, Naresh Ahirwar, applied for online registration under the Sabal Scheme after his wife’s delivery.

The Mooknayak investigated the matter.

Naresh Ahirwar, a resident of Bagalkhedi, revealed that in 2020, the then Gram Panchayat Secretary, Sanju Ahirwar, and former Sarpanch, Surekha Yadav, declared him dead in official records.

Furthermore, ₹5,000 was withdrawn in his name as funeral assistance on July 13, 2020. Naresh discovered this fraud when he applied for benefits under the Sabal Scheme on November 23, 2024, following the delivery of his wife, Bharti Ahirwar.

In response to the fraud, Naresh filed a complaint on December 24, 2024, with the Collector’s office and the Superintendent of Police. News of his complaint was also published in newspapers. However, after filing the complaint, Naresh began to face harassment.

On January 31, 2025, at Nasirabad Crossroad, Naresh was stopped by Madanlal Ahirwar, the father of the former Panchayat Secretary, Sanju Ahirwar. Madanlal verbally abused and threatened Naresh, saying, “Your complaint won’t harm my son in any way. I will deal with you.”

This case is not just about the harassment of an individual but also exposes the corruption and inefficiencies in the rural administrative system. Naresh has submitted several applications to prove that he is alive in government records. However, no decisive action has yet been taken against the culprits.

What Does the Law Say?

If someone misuses government schemes to embezzle funds, it constitutes an offense under Section 420 (Cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other relevant provisions. Furthermore, threatening and verbally abusing someone is punishable under Sections 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (Criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, Naresh Ahirwar said, “It is deeply humiliating and painful that I have been declared dead in government records. Because of this fraud, I couldn’t even avail of the Sabal Scheme benefits for my wife. When I tried to expose this, I started receiving threats. I only want strict action against those responsible and to secure my identity and rights.”

He further added, “Some influential people in the village and Panchayat officials are misusing government schemes. I am a daily wage laborer trying to support my family. This kind of fraud has caused me financial and mental suffering. I have appealed to the Collector and the Superintendent of Police for justice, but no concrete action has been taken so far.”

The current Sarpanch of Bagalkhedi, Rambharosh Yadav, confirmed to The Mooknayak that Naresh Ahirwar was declared dead in official records during the previous administration. He stated, “It is true that Naresh was declared dead, and the funds meant for government schemes were embezzled. As a result, he is now unable to avail himself of the benefits of any government schemes.”

Rambharosh further explained that this incident occurred during the tenure of former Sarpanch Surekha Yadav and Secretary Rajendra Dubey. He added, “This is a grave irregularity, and I urge the administration to investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible.”

The Mooknayak tried to contact Narmadapuram Collector Sonia Meena for her comments on the matter. However, she did not respond to phone calls. A text message was also sent to her, but no reply was received as of the time of writing this report.