Over 14 lakh withdrawn from fraud cheques of Balurghat municipality

A major financial irregularity has rocked Balurghat Municipality as over ₹14.4 lakh disappeared from the municipality's bank account. The startling incident came to light after municipal officials discovered unauthorized withdrawals through three cheques that were reportedly still in the municipality's cheque book. The incident has caused widespread concern in the area.

Municipality chairman Ashok Mitra lodged a formal complaint with the police, demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. He claimed the money was withdrawn in phases using cheque numbers 53771, 53772, and 53773. However, the municipality insists these cheques were never issued, leaving officials baffled as to how they were used for withdrawals.

Mitra also questioned the bank's role in the fraud. "How did the bank allow withdrawals from our account when the cheques were still in our possession? A letter has been sent to the bank, and they have been given a day to recover the funds. If not resolved, we will take legal action," he said. The  chairman has also alerted the district magistrate, the superintendent of police, and the Balurghat police station.  

The bank, however, has denied any negligence on its part. Vikrant Kumar, a senior official of the concerned bank, stated that the matter has been reported to their headquarters and is under investigation. "We are looking into how the fraud occurred and will take appropriate steps," Kumar added.