On September 5, 2023, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) carried out search operations in accordance with the PMLA, 2002, at Lakshman Hembram, a subpostmaster,’s residence in connection with the theft of public funds of Rs. 4.12 Crore. Various damning papers and immovable property were recovered throughout the search operation. Additionally, the person concerned had his bank account frozen and 5.97 lakh rupees worth of cash identified and confiscated.
On the basis of the FIR filed by the Moyna Police Station, Purba Medinipur, Tamluk, for the commission of offences against Lakshman Hembram under various sections of the IPC, the ED opened an investigation.
Term deposit accounts were apparently closed prematurely or permanently by him using a forged signature from the account holders, according to an investigation by the ED. He then transferred the premature amount or maturity proceeds from those TD accounts to the savings accounts of the same account holders without their knowledge. After that, he allegedly used to forge the account holders’ signatures to withdraw the aforementioned sum fraudulently from their SB accounts.
According to the PMLA, 2002’s rules, these withdrawals totalling Rs 4.12 crore were utilised to buy movable and immovable property as well as for personal use. Further research is now being conducted.
