Odisha: Rs 2.44 crore fraud occurred in 3 post offices of Koraput division

BHUBANESWAR: The department of posts (DoP) under the ministry of communications on Friday said a total fraud of Rs 2.44 crore has come to light in Lachipeta, Malkangiri Colony and Bhejangiwada post offices of Koraput division in the state.
While addressing the press, DoP secretary Vineet Pandey said two postmasters have been suspended by the department after detection of the fraud.The department has reported the frauds at Lachipeta and Malkangiri Colony post offices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The investigating agency has filed an FIR against postmaster Biswanath Podiami.
Mana Pujari, branch postmaster of Bhejangiwada post office has been arrested by the police under various sections of IPC. “Both CBI and police have been asked to complete their investigation quickly. Directions have been issued for attachment of the properties of the main accused and their family members,” said a DoP official communication.
Official sources said Pujari had allegedly transferred depositors’ money of Rs 35 lakh to his kin’s account illegally. Similarly, Podiami has allegedly withdrawn money of Rs 2.09 crore in similar fashion. They were also falsely depositing money in the accounts of depositors and transferring that amount to their family members or close contacts.
Union minister of communications Ashwini Vaishnaw came to know about this issue during his Koraput visit on August 21. He had asserted stringent action against the post office employees who were allegedly involved in the misappropriation of public money. He had also directed officials to complete the investigation into the matter within 30 days.
Acting on the directions of the minister, DoP has completed departmental investigation in Lachipeta post office matter. “Preliminary investigations in other two cases have been completed. Detailed investigation is in progress in these cases and it will be completed within one month. Major penalty proceedings are being initiated against the primary offenders,” said Pandey.
He said strict action will be taken against all others whose laxity has facilitated these frauds.
Suvendu Swain, chief postmaster general, Odisha, said the postmasters committed the fraud during Covid period taking advantage of the situation when physical verification was less.
Swain said they have received complaints of five depositors involving Rs 1.25 lakh so far. “We have requested the depositors of the three post offices to lodge their grievances. We will settle all genuine claims within 30 days according to the standard operating procedure issued by the DoP,” he added.