Why Did CBI Book Ex-SBI Branch Manager in Assam for Illegal Assets?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI has filed a case against former SBI manager for illicit assets.
- Pinku Kumar allegedly possesses assets exceeding Rs 80 lakh.
- Investigation includes accusations of loan fraud using forged documents.
- Previous allegations led to the seizure of valuable items during raids.
- Case highlights critical issues of corruption and accountability in banking.
New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated action against a former State Bank of India branch manager located in Assam for allegedly holding illicit assets exceeding Rs 80 lakh, as reported by an official on Monday.
Pinku Kumar, who previously served as the Branch Manager at the SBI Ramkrishnanagar Branch in Karimganj, is also under scrutiny for his suspected involvement in a multi-crore scam linked to the sanctioning of loans under fraudulent pretenses, according to the official.
The CBI's Shillong-based Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) filed a case of Disproportionate Assets against Pinku Kumar on June 27, following a complaint from a preliminary investigator.
This complaint accused Pinku Kumar of engaging in criminal misconduct with the intent to unlawfully enrich himself during the period from April 1, 2019, to March 27, 2025.
Throughout this time frame, he reportedly accumulated assets worth Rs 99.20 lakh, which is 81.84 percent above what could be justified by his known income sources, as revealed in the CBI FIR against the former manager.
The CBI FIR noted, "The preliminary inquiry indicates that the allegations in the complaint reveal prima facie the commission of cognizable offences, punishable under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) by Pinku Kumar."
Section 13 of the Act outlines various forms of misconduct by public officials, including the abuse of power, misappropriation of property, and the possession of assets that are inconsistent with known income sources.
Previously, in March, the CBI charged Pinku Kumar in two distinct corruption cases, naming brokers Sumen Paul and Jadab Paul as co-defendants in each instance.
Raids executed by the federal agency in these investigations resulted in the seizure of 481 grams of gold, 11.11 grams of diamond-studded jewelry, and 1,092 grams of silver.
The investigation revealed that the former bank manager allegedly conspired with the two brokers to approve loans based on forged documents, causing substantial financial losses to the SBI.