Police have registered a formal case about a major bank fraud in Turkawangam hamlet of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
As reported earlier, multiple unauthorized withdrawals from customer accounts were reported at the district’s Jammu Kashmir Bank branch.
The police formally registered an FIR vide number 104/2024 and launched a large-scale investigation, with arrests expected soon.
The first case of bank fraud came to light when Zarifa, the daughter of the late Muhammad Yousuf Shah, discovered that Rs. 5 lakh had been embezzled from her father’s account just a day after his death on January 13, 2019. The money was allegedly withdrawn by an individual, who transferred it to his relatives’ accounts.
In August, another case surfaced when Rs 177,000 went missing from Abdul Ghani Lone’s account.
As the news spread, other customers checked their accounts, only to find them empty.
The affected customers from villages like Nale Poshawari, Mullah Dher, Sogan, Tarkawangam, and adjoining areas demanded an investigation and immediate action against those involved.
A prominent lawyer, Advocate Mohsin Nabi, filed a complaint under section 316(5) of the IPC, while social activist Dr. Bari obtained details from affected customers and leveled allegations against the bank manager.
The bank has recovered Rs. 3.5 million and attached an employee, but customers are demanding swift action against all those involved.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among the local population, with many questioning the bank’s role in the fraud.
The police meanwhile have assured that those involved will be arrested after a proper investigation. [KNT]