Uruwa Bazar: A major fraud involving lakhs of rupees has been uncovered at the UCO Bank Shahpur-Belghat branch. Allegations suggest that the head cashier, instead of depositing customers’ money into their accounts, retained the cash and issued fake receipts. The scam came to light when customers checked their passbooks and found discrepancies.
So far, eight customers have reported being affected, but the number is expected to rise in the coming days. Acting on complaints, a three-member investigative team from the regional office in Ayodhya arrived on Wednesday to probe the matter. Following the initial investigation, the accused head cashier has been removed from the branch and transferred elsewhere.
Details of the Fraud
According to reports:
- Radhika, a resident of Shahpur Jigniya, deposited ₹43,500 on November 11. She received a receipt but discovered on November 29 that the money was not credited to her account.
- Alimuddin and Rabibun, residents of Shahpur Belav, lost ₹1.50 lakh from their joint account in three installments, while another ₹30,000 they deposited was not credited. They also received fake receipts.
- Muhammad Ali, a Shahpur resident, deposited ₹20,000 but found it missing from his account when updating his passbook. After raising the issue, the cashier deposited the amount five days later.
- Bindu Devi, also from Shahpur, withdrew ₹1.75 lakh but was given only ₹75,000. She was told to return the next day for the remaining amount.
Investigation and Action
Bank authorities have described the complaints as serious. A regional office team spoke to affected customers and initiated a probe. The accused head cashier, identified as Kaleem, has been removed from the branch pending further action. Officials have assured strict measures will be taken against those involved in the fraud. Regional district panchayat member Gaurishankar Mishra has also filed a formal complaint, demanding stringent action against the accused.
Background of the Accused
Kaleem, the head cashier at the center of the controversy, reportedly started his career at the bank as a peon. He was promoted to the post of head cashier.
Official Response
A bank official stated:
“We have received complaints from customers and are investigating the matter. On Wednesday, a three-member investigation team from the regional office in Ayodhya visited the branch and spoke to the complainants. The accused head cashier has been removed, and further action will follow based on the investigation findings.”
So far, a scam involving ₹2.50 lakh has been confirmed, but the total amount of fraud could rise as the investigation progresses.
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