The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (Irda) has launched a 'focussed inspection' into alleged fraud in some government-sponsored insurance schemes by ICICI Lombard Insurance.

The four insurance schemes in question are: Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Weather Insurance Scheme, Shetkari Apghati Durghatana Bima Yojana, and Panjikrut Kishan Durghatana Bima Yojana.

Ina letter to the finance ministry, Irda said, "There is a focussed inspection currently being carried out by Irda with respect to the (four) schemes... Also, the vigilance department of Irda is also looking into the complaints regarding these schemes from the vigilance angle."

The Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana is a health insurance scheme meant to provide insurance cover to poor artisans. It was alleged that under this scheme a total of 11,445 members were fraudulently enrolled. The company was also accused of misappropriating funds of at least Rs 88 lakh. ICICI Lombard claimed that as there was uncertainty on interpretation whether khadi weavers come under a scheme meant for artisans, it had refunded the premium to the textile ministry in July 2012.

Likewise, in the case of Weather Insurance Policy, ICICI Lombard allegedly settled claims by cheques for two-third of the 3,155 non-existent farmers.

A spokesperson for ICICI Lombard said the insurer wasn't in possession of the letter and therefore he would not like to make any comment on the development.