CBI to investigate Rs 3.83 Crore Fraud in North Bihar Gramin Bank

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe financial irregularities and embezzlement amounting to ₹3.83 crore in North Bihar Gramin Bank. The Home Department’s Reserve Branch has issued a notification for the investigation after receiving approval from the Governor.

Details of the Case

The case is linked to the Manjhagarh branch of North Bihar Gramin Bank in Gopalganj district. Former branch manager Joseph Kujur and bank associate Rakesh Kumar Manjhi are accused of misappropriating funds. Both suspects are currently absconding.

The investigation began after the bank’s branch manager, Ashish Agrahari, filed a police complaint. Initially, the suspected embezzlement was ₹14.52 lakh, which was allegedly siphoned from the account of the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Manjhagarh. However, as the police investigation progressed, a much larger scam was uncovered. A special audit conducted by the bank later revealed that the total amount misappropriated was ₹3,83,11,213.

CBI Investigation Ordered

Due to the high amount involved, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Gopalganj recommended that the CBI take over the case. The request was accepted, and the investigation will now be conducted by the central agency.

The absconding accused:

• Joseph Kujur – Former branch manager, resident of Nehalu, Ranchi
• Rakesh Kumar Manjhi – Bank associate, resident of Kanpura village, Manjhagarh

Role of CBI in Investigations

The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) is India’s top investigative agency and handles cases related to financial fraud, corruption, and serious crimes. Its role includes:

• Investigating Financial Crimes: The CBI handles cases involving fraud, embezzlement, and corruption in various financial institutions.
• Acting as a Central Agency: It investigates crimes across multiple states.
• International Cooperation: The CBI collaborates with global investigative agencies in complex cases.
• Special Investigations: It conducts in-depth probes into corruption and high-profile scams.
• Legal Process: After registering a case, the CBI appoints an investigating officer, collects evidence, records witness statements, files a chargesheet, and prosecutes the accused in court.

With the CBI now in charge, the investigation is expected to uncover further details about the large-scale embezzlement in North Bihar Gramin Bank.