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HAMIRPUR – A scam worth ₹6 lakh meant for unemployed youth has rocked the Mehre Sub-Employment Office in Saloni, Hamirpur, and now, it's not just the money that’s missing — the accountability is too.
A data entry operator, arrested for siphoning off the unemployment allowance, is being protected from public scrutiny, allegedly at the behest of a high-profile politician.
Even as victims – jobless youth who were supposed to get ₹1,000 per month from the state government – reel from the betrayal, police and administration are tight-lipped on her identity.
Despite her shady past — this history-sheeter was sacked a year ago from the same office for misconduct — she continued to operate unofficially since 2017 through outsourced services.
Between 2021 and 2022, she allegedly diverted lakhs meant for dozens of unemployed youths into her personal bank account, going unnoticed until some beneficiaries raised red flags after not receiving their dues.
While the District Employment Office had sent the case file to the Shimla head office last year, it is only now — under pressure — that a formal police complaint was filed.
Even then, sources say the police are deliberately shielding her name, possibly to avoid political embarrassment to those in power protecting her, said the sources.
Victims and local residents are furious.
“Why hide her name? If an unemployed youth had stolen money, wouldn’t his photo be all over the wall?
She looted poor people and the system is protecting her,” said one affected youth who visited the office multiple times in vain.
“She should be named and shamed. Only then will such thieves think twice before looting public money,” another youth demanded.
The police confirmed the arrest, stating that the woman has been remanded to five-day police custody, but refused to share her identity.
People are now demanding that the case be expanded, alleging similar scams might be running in other sub-employment offices across Himachal Pradesh.
Public anger is brewing, and unless the administration comes clean, the perception of a nexus between officials, outsourced staff, and political handlers will only deepen.
