The Patna High Court has expressed serious concern over the alleged large-scale embezzlement of public funds in a regional rural bank in Bihar. The court has recommended an independent and specialized investigation into white-collar crimes, referring the matter to the Chief Justice for consideration as a public interest litigation (PIL).
Justice Purnendu Singh's Observations
Justice Purnendu Singh, while hearing an anticipatory bail plea of Dharmendra Kumar Singh, passed the order on April 23. A copy of the order became public on Tuesday. The judge flagged what he described as the growing menace of organized white-collar crime in the state, involving the siphoning of public funds deposited in regional rural banks. These funds were meant for farmers under government schemes such as crop insurance and housing benefits.
Details of the Case
Dharmendra Kumar Singh is alleged to have embezzled Rs 47 lakh while posted as a clerk at the Kanahuli branch of Uttar Bihar Grameen Bank (UBGB). He and the branch manager, Dilip Kumar, have been named as prime accused in a case registered at Darauli police station in Siwan district.
During the hearing, affidavits submitted by UBGB and the police detailed large-scale defalcation of bank funds allegedly carried out by employees and imposters over more than a decade. Describing the incident as part of a sustained pattern of organized financial crime, Justice Singh observed that such cases reflect a deeper systemic issue affecting public trust in rural banking institutions.
Directions to Authorities
The court has directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Union Home Ministry to file action taken reports on measures adopted to address such large-scale financial irregularities in Bihar. These reports are to be placed before the Chief Justice.
