The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case over alleged irregularities in the management of night shelters in Delhi. The investigation is linked to shelters operated under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) in 2023.
According to the CBI, the case involves allegations that fake employees were shown on official records and salaries were paid in their names even though they never worked at the shelters. The agency believes government money may have been misused through false attendance records and fake salary payments.
The CBI has named Suhail Khan, president of Sofia Educational and Welfare Society, in the case. The agency has also named two private individuals, Amir and Sonu Kushwaha, along with unknown public servants. The FIR was registered on April 27 after a preliminary enquiry that had been going on since May last year.
DUSIB works under the Delhi government and is responsible for improving shelter facilities for homeless people in the city. The contract for operating night shelters under Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 was given to Sofia Educational and Welfare Society in 2023, when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was in power in Delhi.
The case has raised serious questions about how public money meant for homeless welfare was allegedly diverted using fake workers and manipulated records.
According to the CBI, the shelter management authority was responsible for hiring workers such as supervisors, caretakers, sweepers, women security guards, and relief staff for the shelters. However, the investigation found that several people listed as employees never actually worked at any shelter.
The agency said fake attendance records were prepared in their names and salaries were regularly deposited into their bank accounts. After the money was credited, it was allegedly withdrawn and handed back in cash to people managing the society.
The CBI stated that many of these so-called employees were already working elsewhere or running their own businesses. Some were reportedly living normal lives far away from the shelters during the period they were shown as workers.
Investigators checked professional records and even mobile location data during the enquiry. According to the agency, the data showed these individuals were at their workplaces or homes and not at the shelters where they were officially marked present.
The CBI also said the names of fake workers were allegedly inserted into attendance records later at the office level after attendance sheets had already been submitted.
Officials investigating the case claimed that actual shelter staff and residents never saw these fake employees working at the locations. Statements from workers and people staying at the shelters reportedly supported the allegations of large-scale fraud.
The agency believes the entire operation was part of a planned conspiracy to misuse government funds. According to investigators, fake documents and false salary records were created to illegally withdraw public money.
The case is important because night shelters are meant to provide help and protection to homeless people, especially during extreme weather conditions like Delhi’s cold winters and summer heat. Any misuse of funds allocated for such services directly affects vulnerable people who depend on these facilities.
The investigation has also raised concerns about the role of DUSIB officials responsible for monitoring the shelters.
According to the CBI, government officials were expected to regularly inspect the shelters under standard operating procedures. Their duty was to ensure that staff members were present and that shelters were functioning properly.
However, the agency said no reports were submitted regarding the absence of the alleged fake workers, despite officials having authority over those shelters.
The CBI suspects there may have been negligence or possible involvement of some public servants in the matter. This is why unknown government officials have also been included in the FIR.
The agency described the case as a “well-planned conspiracy” involving fraudulent paperwork, misuse of government money, and possible cooperation between private individuals and public officials.
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So far, no arrests have been announced in the case. The investigation is still ongoing, and the CBI is expected to examine financial records, bank transactions, attendance registers, employee documents, and communication between officials and the shelter management agency.
Officials may also question more workers, residents, and government employees connected to the shelters.
Neither DUSIB nor Sofia Educational and Welfare Society has officially responded to the allegations yet. Media reports said comments from both sides were awaited.
The case has attracted attention because it involves public welfare funds. Many people believe strict action is needed if government money meant for homeless welfare was illegally diverted.
Experts say such cases highlight the importance of transparency and stronger monitoring systems in government welfare programmes. They believe regular audits, digital attendance systems, and surprise inspections may help reduce fraud in future projects.
Night shelters play a very important role in Delhi, especially for migrant workers, homeless families, and poor citizens who do not have safe places to stay. During winter months, these shelters become lifelines for thousands of people.
Any irregularity in their management can directly impact the safety and well-being of vulnerable citizens.
The CBI investigation is expected to continue over the coming months. If the allegations are proven, strict legal action may follow against those found responsible for the misuse of government funds and fake employee records.
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