Panshkura postmaster faces ED probe: 12-hr raid yields vital documents

A team of six officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an extensive 12-hour search operation at the residence of former postmaster Laxman Hembram in ward number 4 of Panskura. The operation, which spanned from 8 am to 8 pm, also involved prolonged questioning of the former postmaster. Laxman Hembram is facing allegations of embezzlement amounting to crores of rupees.

ED sources have revealed that Post Master Laxman Hembram has been summoned for further questioning at the CGO Complex on September 8. Several years ago, Hembram purchased a plot in the Panskura Municipality area and constructed a lavish house.

The ED had previously issued summonses to Hembram. Allegedly, in 2018, while serving as the postmaster at Ramchandrapur post office in Mayna, East Medinipur, he was implicated in embezzlement amounting to crores of rupees. Subsequently, the Post Office in Mayna was transferred to Kolaghat New Bazar Post Office. In 2019, he faced suspension from the Kolaghat New Bazaar Post Office.

In 2020, Hembram was arrested by the police during his tenure as the postmaster in Ramchandrapur. However, he was later released on bail. During the recent search operation conducted by the ED officials, significant documents were discovered from  Laxman's residence.