Forged documents; fake FDs: Cleaning staffer on run after fraud at nationalised bank in Alappuzha
Alappuzha, Kerala: A suspected fraud involving forged bank documents at a nationalised bank in Cherthala, Alappuzha district, may have caused losses of more than ₹2 crore, according to the police's preliminary investigation.
Three women had filed complaints by Tuesday, alleging that ₹27 lakh was taken from them. It is learnt that the actual number of victims could be higher than those who have filed complaints so far.
The complaint is against a young woman who worked as cleaning staff at the bank's branch near Court Junction through a contract agency. She is reportedly from the Varanad area of the district and is currently absconding.
According to the complaint, the woman allegedly posed as a bank employee and collected deposits from customers by promising high interest.
She is accused of using forged signatures and seals of bank officials, along with fake receipts and fixed-deposit documents, to convince customers to hand over their money. The certificates given to customers were reportedly prepared to resemble genuine bank documents.
Accused stopped reporting to work
The woman had not reported for work since August 12. After complaints emerged, the bank asked the contract agency on August 21 to replace her with another worker.
Police registered a case based on a complaint submitted by the bank authorities. The branch manager's statement was also recorded as part of the investigation.
Police are expected to record the statements of each person who claims to have lost money. Separate cases will be registered based on their complaints.
More people may have lost money
The alleged fraud came to light when several people approached the bank to withdraw or recover money they had deposited.
Many of those who reportedly lost money are said to be people known to the accused woman or her relatives.
It is learnt that the actual number of victims could be higher than those who have filed complaints so far. The investigation is continuing.