EOW Registers Case After ACB Complaint
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch in Jammu has registered a case following complaints forwarded by the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir. The complaints, submitted by the bank's Chief of Audits, Inspection and Vigilance, allege large-scale financial irregularities at two branches of J&K Grameen Bank.
Kaluchak Branch: 58 Fake Loan Accounts Worth Rs 42 Lakh
An internal enquiry at the Kaluchak branch revealed that 58 loan accounts under 15 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) and two Cash Credit Limit accounts were allegedly opened and operated fraudulently without the knowledge or consent of the account holders. The suspected fraud amounts to approximately Rs 42 lakh. Further investigation showed that nearly Rs 12 lakh was allegedly diverted to bank accounts reportedly maintained in the name of deceased Senior Manager Bhagwan Singh Saini. The remaining loan amount was allegedly withdrawn through ATMs.
The enquiry also disclosed that a daily wager engaged at the branch admitted to using Rs 2 lakh from one JLG loan account for personal purposes. Subsequently, recoveries were effected in two accounts.
Surankote Branch: Unauthorised Transactions and Fake Loans
In a separate complaint relating to the Surankote branch, allegations have been made against Branch Head Rohit Kumar and others. The complaint details unauthorised transactions and debits amounting to Rs 7.37 lakh, as well as the fraudulent sanction and withdrawal of loans worth around Rs 19 lakh through five fake loan accounts allegedly opened without the borrowers' knowledge or consent. The accounts were subsequently shown as settled or closed, reportedly to reconcile the branch's cash position.
Investigation Underway
The Crime Branch has registered a case under relevant sections of the law and has initiated a detailed investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities. The EOW is expected to examine bank records, interview staff, and trace the flow of funds to identify all individuals involved in the scam.
