Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: Allegations of large-scale financial irregularities and disappearance of funds from customer accounts at the Bank of Maharashtra branch in Chowkidinghee have triggered concern in Dibrugarh, with several local organisations demanding an immediate police investigation.
Representatives of the organisations on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police seeking a thorough probe into the alleged fraud and action against those found responsible.
Speaking to reporters, the organisations alleged that despite the issue surfacing weeks ago and triggering panic among customers, neither the district administration nor financial regulatory authorities had taken visible action.
According to the organisations, the matter first came to light after a customer alleged that money had gone missing from his bank account. Subsequently, several account holders reportedly approached the branch claiming that substantial amounts deposited in their accounts had disappeared.
The organisations questioned the delay in public disclosure and action despite allegations involving crores of rupees. They also alleged that senior bank officials and influential administrative figures could be linked to the case, though no evidence was publicly produced to support the claim.
“The scale of the alleged fraud suggests that it could not have been carried out by a single individual,” a representative of one of the organisations said, demanding that police take suo motu cognisance of the matter.
There are also allegations that funds linked to government welfare schemes may have been siphoned off, although no official confirmation has been issued so far.
Several customers have reportedly alleged that lakhs of rupees deposited in their accounts vanished suddenly even though earlier deposit entries remain reflected in their passbooks. Following the controversy, large numbers of account holders gathered at the bank branch demanding restoration of their funds.
According to customers, bank officials accepted written complaints and asked them to wait for further communication.
The organisations warned that they would launch protests if prompt action is not taken in the matter.