Rs 3 Crore Fraud Hits Ranchi Treasury After Hazaribagh & Bokaro

Ranchi (IANS): A fresh fraudulent withdrawal scam has struck a Jharkhand government treasury, this time in the state capital. Following similar scandals in Hazaribagh and Bokaro, authorities have discovered a Rs 3 crore embezzlement scheme in Ranchi.

Two employees of the Institute of Animal Health and Production in Kanke allegedly manipulated salary accounts to siphon off the funds. Following orders from the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, Executive Magistrate Md. Zafar Hasnat filed an FIR at Kotwali police station on Tuesday. Police acted quickly and detained both suspects.

The Investigation: How It Happened

The probe identifies accountant Munindra Kumar and staff member Sanjeev Kumar as the primary conspirators. The duo allegedly bypassed government norms to divert public funds:

• Munindra Kumar: Diverted Rs 1.52 crore into two of his personal bank accounts.

• Sanjeev Kumar: Transferred Rs 1.41 crore into his personal account.

• The Method: Between the 2023–24 and 2025–26 financial years, the pair tampered with salary bills on the ‘Kuber portal’. They inflated figures to withdraw amounts far beyond permissible limits from the district treasury.

A 67-page investigation report, submitted on April 13, provides documentary evidence of this premeditated scheme.

A Pattern of Treasury Scams

This incident adds to a troubling series of financial crimes across the state:

State Response

In response to these lapses, the state government has ordered a comprehensive audit of all 33 treasuries and sub-treasuries. Officials fear that total irregular withdrawals across Jharkhand could exceed Rs 50 crore.

Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore described the incidents as a “serious lapse in administrative oversight.” He has directed Deputy Commissioners to enforce stricter financial controls and ensure immediate, thorough audits to prevent further theft of public funds.