The life of a 56-year-old employee of the Government of India’s mint, now known as Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd, changed completely two years ago when he was accused of stealing Rs 40. A police case was registered against Rajendra Chabukswar, who used to draw a monthly salary of over Rs 1 lakh, for allegedly stealing two Rs 20 coins, which were not released at that time. After battling for one and half years, Chabukswar has now been reinstated as the allegation could not be proved.

Since July 2020 when Mumbai police filed an FIR in the case, Chabukswar had been running from court to court seeking dismissal of the case as the prosecution failed to produce any evidence. His family members said this has taken a toll on his mental health apart from pinching his financial resources amid suspension. His father Ramchandra, 91, who retired from the mint as the chief security officer, claimed his son was trapped in a false case by vested interests. Chabukswar, being a government employee, could not talk to the media. So, mid-day got in touch with his family instead.