Fake Death, Real Murder: The Insurance Scam in Surat

Insurance Scam: What began as a routine accident case has unravelled into a chilling murder-for-money plot inspired by a popular television soap opera. Surat Police have arrested four individuals, including a husband-wife duo and the victim’s long-time friend, for plotting a fake death to claim insurance money.

A Mysterious Death

On July 14, an unidentified body was found on a desolate road near Sania–Khambhasala village in Surat. With the victim’s head crushed and little traffic reported in the area, police initially believed it to be a road accident. A formal accidental death report was filed.

But something didn’t add up.

Officers found a dual-SIM mobile phone near the body—with one SIM mysteriously missing. The remaining call history led investigators to the home of Meena Devi Mishra, who identified the clothes and the phone as belonging to her husband, Shiv Kumar alias Maharaj Ramnarayan Mishra.

What shocked police wasn’t just the confirmation—it was her immediate query about claiming insurance money, delivered without grief or hesitation. This sparked serious doubts.

A Sinister Plot Unfolds

Using CCTV footage from fuel stations and public roads, investigators traced Shiv Kumar’s final movements. On the night of July 13, he was seen traveling with his friend of over 10 years, Devi Prasad Pal, on a moped. Later, footage showed Shiv boarding one of Devi’s trucks at a petrol pump—vehicles known to be struggling under loan repayments.

That truck soon veered off its usual route. The detour proved deadly.

Under growing suspicion, police widened their net. They eventually arrested:

• Devi Prasad Pal, the mastermind and long-time friend of the victim
• Meena Devi Mishra, the victim’s wife
• Shiv Kumar, the supposed victim, alive and in hiding
• Monu Chandrabali Gautam, an associate tracked to Pune

Inspired by a Daily Soap

In a shocking revelation, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot stated that the group drew inspiration from a storyline in the TV show ‘Sasural Simar Ka’, where faking one’s death helped characters escape problems.

Shiv Kumar, heavily in debt from a truck loan and a failing business, conspired with his wife and friend to fake his death. Their goal: collect a large insurance payout to cover debts and start afresh. A personal insurance policy in Shiv’s name was central to the scheme.

Insurance Fraud Meets Murder

However, instead of merely faking the death, the plan took a darker turn. The conspirators killed another individual, crushing his face to prevent identification, and dressed him in Shiv Kumar’s clothes. They planted the mobile phone and waited for the claim process to begin—until police cracked the case.

Justice Served

With all four now in custody, police are preparing to file charges of murder, conspiracy, insurance fraud, and evidence tampering. The case serves as a stark warning about how fiction can fuel real-world crime.

Conclusion

What began as a desperate attempt to escape financial ruin spiraled into cold-blooded murder, all for an insurance claim. The Surat case is a haunting reminder that financial stress, combined with bad influence and fraudulent intent, can lead people to commit the unthinkable.

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