Bank mitra ‘dupes’ women SHGs of over Rs 50L in Odisha

A woman working as a ‘bank mitra’ was detained by Itamati Police on Friday on charges of duping women self-help groups (WSHGs) of more than Rs 50 Lakh with the help of some other employees at Biruda panchayat in Nayagarh district.

The accused has been identified as Saudamini Jena.

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According to sources, some members of nine women SHGs had availed loan from Indian Bank’s Nayagarh branch. They were repaying the loan amount in instalments through the ‘bank mitra’. However, accused Saudamini had not deposited the money. She had rather embezzled the money through fake deposit forms and manipulated bond papers.

When contacted, Saudamini refuted the charges saying, “I have already informed Vigilance, police, District Collector, and ADM as well from my side. I have not committed anything wrong. Rather, fault lies with the bank concerned.”

Acting on an FIR, Itamati Police reached the bank and initiated a probe.