Shopian, Nov 26, TKA: A significant bank fraud has been uncovered in the Turkawangam area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, prompting a formal police investigation.
Following reports of unauthorized withdrawals from customer accounts at the Jammu and Kashmir Bank branch, police have registered an FIR (number 104/2024) and launched a thorough investigation, with arrests expected soon.
The fraud was first detected when Zarifa, the daughter of the late Muhammad Yousuf Shah, found that Rs. 5 lakh had been withdrawn from her father’s account the day after his death on January 13, 2019. The money was allegedly transferred to the accounts of the fraudster’s relatives.
In August, another case emerged when Rs. 177,000 vanished from Abdul Ghani Lone’s account. As the news spread, more customers from villages like Nale Poshawari, Mullah Dher, Sogan, Tarkawangam, and surrounding areas discovered their accounts had been emptied. The affected customers have called for a detailed investigation and immediate action against those responsible.
Advocate Mohsin Nabi has filed a complaint under section 316(5) of the IPC, while social activist Dr. Bari has collected statements from the affected customers and accused the bank manager of involvement. The bank has recovered Rs. 3.5 million and suspended an employee, but customers are demanding further action against all involved parties.
The incident has caused widespread concern among the local population, with many questioning the bank’s role in the fraud.
Police have assured the public that those responsible will be arrested following a comprehensive investigation. [TKA]
