Will the Bank Return Rs 16.38 Crore Illegally Withdrawn from Agartala Civic Body's Account?
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Synopsis
In a shocking development, Tripura CM Manik Saha reveals that a nationalized bank will return Rs 16.38 crore unlawfully withdrawn from the Agartala Municipal Corporation's account. As investigations unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice and accountability in this alarming fraud case.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura CM Manik Saha confirmed the return of Rs 16.38 crore.
- The money was withdrawn using cloned cheques.
- The AMC is not at fault; original cheques are safe.
- A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate.
- Opposition parties are demanding a thorough probe.
Agartala, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Tuesday that a nationalized bank has committed to returning the entire Rs 16.38 crore that was illicitly withdrawn from the bank account of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) through the use of cloned cheques.
During a session in the Tripura Assembly, while addressing the concerns of MLAs, the Chief Minister emphasized that the AMC was not at fault for this illegal transaction, as the original cheques remain securely with the civic body.
In response to Congress MLA Gopal Roy's inquiry, Chief Minister Saha, who also oversees the Home Department, assured that an investigation is underway to uncover the details behind this crime and to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Fraudsters, believed to be from outside the state, utilized six cloned cheques to wrongfully withdraw over Rs 16.38 crore from the AMC’s account,” the Chief Minister stated.
A cashier from the United Commercial Bank (UCO) branch was apprehended last week.
Opposition parties, including CPI-M and Congress, have strongly condemned the state government regarding this fraudulent incident and demanded a thorough investigation by a central agency.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has called upon Chief Minister Saha to guarantee an unbiased investigation into the fraud involving Rs 16.38 crore.
TPCC President Asish Kumar Saha stated, “We request the Chief Minister to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry into this fraud.”
He further alleged that the bank approved cheques worth Rs 16.38 crore after purportedly “verifying the signatures.”
“The Rs 16.38 crore was disbursed across 78 bank accounts, ultimately being deposited into two accounts belonging to individuals residing in Delhi and Nagpur,” Congress leader Saha added.
The Tripura government has recently established a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the illegal withdrawal of Rs 16.38 crore from the AMC’s account using cloned cheques.
A senior official confirmed that Dhruba Nath, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Urban) for West Tripura, will lead the SIT and submit findings to District Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak.
The SIT comprises Deba Prasad Roy, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO); Rana Chatterjee, Inspector and Officer-in-Charge of West Agartala Police Station; and Ranjit Das, Sub-Inspector and investigation officer of the case.
The Tripura Police have initiated an investigation against “unknown fraudsters” for the unlawful withdrawal from the AMC’s bank account after the UCO Bank’s Zonal Manager, Sanjib Roy, filed a complaint at West Agartala police station.
The complaint was lodged after it was discovered that more than Rs 16.38 crore had been withdrawn from the AMC’s bank account using six cloned cheques.
According to initial investigations, the unidentified fraudsters, operating from Hyderabad, forged the signature of a former AMC officer to facilitate the withdrawal while the original cheques remained with the civic body.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the significance of accountability in financial matters, particularly in instances of fraud that undermine public trust. The situation in Tripura exemplifies the urgent need for thorough investigations and responsible governance to ensure that such incidents are addressed effectively and transparently.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What amount was illegally withdrawn from the AMC's account?
Rs 16.38 crore was illegally withdrawn from the Agartala Municipal Corporation's account using cloned cheques.
Who is investigating the fraud case?
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the illegal withdrawal case.
What role did the bank play in this incident?
The bank approved the withdrawal through cloned cheques, which has led to criticism and demands for a thorough investigation.
What measures are being taken against the fraudsters?
The police have initiated investigations to identify and apprehend the unidentified fraudsters involved in the case.
What has the opposition party demanded?
The opposition parties have demanded a probe by a central agency to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation.
