Digital Signature Fraud Uncovered in Uttarakhand Village
A departmental inquiry ordered by Chief Development Officer Divesh Shashini has exposed a significant case of digital signature fraud in Darau village, Rudrapur. The investigation, concluded on Thursday, found that 14 bills were cleared and a total of Rs 10.39 lakh was withdrawn using the digital signature of village head Najia Bi while she was incarcerated in Pauri Jail on forgery charges.
Suspensions and Further Action Initiated
Following the findings on Saturday, Udham Singh Nagar district panchayati raj officer Vidya Singh Semwal took immediate action by suspending gram panchayat secretary KK Malkani. A detailed report has been forwarded to the district magistrate, seeking disciplinary measures against other individuals allegedly involved in the fraudulent scheme. This swift response underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the financial misconduct.
MLA's Allegations Bring Issue to Light
The fraudulent activities came to public attention after Kichha MLA Tilak Raj Behar raised the issue at a press conference on Thursday. He alleged that Najia Bi has been in jail since December 13, yet her digital signature certificate was not deposited with the block office as required. Despite her incarceration, transactions continued unabated, highlighting a glaring oversight in procedural safeguards.
Timeline of Fraudulent Transactions
Officials have confirmed that the illicit transactions occurred between December 30, 2025, and February 24, 2026. During this period, Najia Bi issued a letter on February 2, claiming she was unable to visit the block office due to a fractured leg and authorizing her husband, Abdul Gaffar, to act as her representative. Repeated attempts to contact Gaffar for clarification have gone unanswered, raising further suspicions about his involvement.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This case raises critical questions about the security and oversight of digital signatures in rural governance. The misuse of a jailed official's credentials points to potential systemic vulnerabilities that could be exploited elsewhere. Authorities are now intensifying their investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and ensure accountability. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust verification processes in digital financial transactions.
