Crime Branch Files Chargesheet Against Former J&K Grameen Bank Manager in Rs 1.69 Lakh Fraud Case

The Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against a former Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank manager for allegedly cheating customers and misusing bank funds in Kupwara district of north Kashmir. The chargesheet was filed on Thursday before the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sogam, Lolab, against Abhisek Prajapat, who previously served as branch manager at the bank’s Lalpora branch.

According to a statement issued by Crime Branch Kashmir, the alleged financial irregularities took place during Prajapat’s tenure at the bank’s Lalpora, Kanthipora and Kupwara branches. The investigation found that he allegedly transferred Rs 1.19 lakh from various customer accounts to his personal bank account. These transactions were reportedly made in the name of loan documentation charges, file fees and other expenses.

Investigators also found the alleged diversion of Rs 25,850 from official bank expenditure accounts. In addition, Rs 24,100 was reportedly recorded as unnecessary expenditure. These two amounts resulted in a reported loss of Rs 49,950 to the bank.

The case began with a complaint filed by the Regional Manager of J&K Grameen Bank, Kupwara. The Anti-Corruption Bureau forwarded the complaint to Crime Headquarters for further action. After preliminary verification by the Economic Offences Wing, FIR No. 09/2026 was registered at the Police Station Special Crime Wing on May 13, 2026.

Crime Branch Kashmir stated that Prajapat had already been dismissed from the bank’s services on February 13, 2025, following departmental proceedings. The chargesheet has been filed under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with criminal breach of trust and cheating, respectively, read with Section 193 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The matter will now be examined by the competent court, which will consider the allegations and evidence presented in the case. The chargesheet marks a further step in the legal proceedings, but the allegations against the former bank manager have yet to be established in court.

Crime Branch Kashmir has also urged people to remain alert to financial fraud and report any suspected irregularities to the concerned authorities.