₹2 crore bank fraud: Accused in Alappuzha bank case tries to end her life; later arrested

Alappuzha, Kerala: A former contract cleaning worker at a nationalised bank in Cherthala has been arrested in connection with an alleged fraud involving forged bank documents and losses of more than ₹2 crore. The accused, identified as 38-year-old Sreeja from Varanad, was arrested on Sunday (September 6) after being discharged from Kottayam Medical College Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment following an alleged suicide attempt.

Police began a preliminary interrogation after completing her medical examination. They conducted a search at Sreeja's house in Varanad on Saturday and reportedly recovered crucial evidence. Investigators are examining the material as part of efforts to establish how the forged bank documents were prepared and whether others assisted her. 

The investigation is being led by Cherthala police under Sub-Inspectors B. Bajith Lal and K. Madhusoodan.

Police widen probe after arrest

Sreeja had worked as a cleaning staff member at the bank branch near Court Junction in Cherthala through a contract agency. Police said she allegedly misled customers by claiming to be a bank employee and offering high interest on deposits.

She allegedly collected money in the name of the bank and used forged signatures and seals of bank officials, along with fabricated receipts and fixed-deposit documents, to make the transactions appear genuine.

According to the preliminary information, around 70 people may have lost more than ₹2 crore in the alleged fraud. Individual losses are reportedly between ₹2 lakh and ₹15 lakh.

The case initially came to light after the bank authorities filed a complaint alleging that its official records and documents had been forged. The branch manager's statement was also recorded as part of the investigation.

A separate case was subsequently registered following complaints that customers had been cheated of their money, with Sreeja named as the accused. The woman had been absconding.

(Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional support without delay. You can contact Tele-MANAS, a 24x7 mental health helpline by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at 14416 or 1800-891-4416.)