A major scam has been uncovered in Singareni, where middlemen are exploiting workers who seek medical invalidation to secure jobs for their dependents. These brokers are demanding large sums of money, ranging from ₹6.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh. Many workers, unable to afford these amounts, are forced to take loans at high interest rates.
The compassionate employment process was introduced in 2017 to help workers who become medically unfit by allowing them to transfer their jobs to their children or dependents. However, middlemen have taken advantage of this system. They falsely promise workers that they will be declared 100% medically unfit in exchange for money, claiming they have influence over the medical board.
Workers, fearing rejection, often pay advances between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh. Once declared unfit, they must pay the remaining amount. Some even sign promissory notes, legally binding them to pay the full sum. If a worker is not declared unfit, the brokers refuse to return the money, leading to legal disputes at police stations and courts.
These fraudulent activities have made the brokers extremely wealthy. Many of them use their illegal earnings to buy luxury cars, expensive gadgets, and live lavish lifestyles. A recent case revealed a young worker flaunting high-end vehicles and costly electronics, exposing the extent of the scam.
Reports suggest that this illegal network operates across multiple regions, including Mancherial, Illandu, and Kothagudem. It involves union leaders, retired workers, and brokers. In KTK Mine 1 alone, six union leaders and nine workers are reportedly involved in the malpractice. Other mines, such as KTK OCP-2 and KTK Mine 6, also have multiple individuals participating in this illegal scheme.
With nearly 50 people exploiting this system, urgent action is needed. Authorities have called on the Singareni management to take immediate steps to stop this scam.
