Farmers accuse PACS staff of swindling money from their accounts, stage protest in Kendrapara

In a case of major bank fraud, lakhs of rupees have allegedly been withdrawn from the accounts of farmers without their knowledge at Baruna Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society, the branch of Cuttack Central Cooperative Bank at Rajkanika in Odisha's Kendrapara district.

Expressing outrage, farmers who have lost lakhs of rupees to the alleged fraud by the bank official(s) staged a sit-in protest outside the bank. Despite repeated complaints, the farmers alleged no action has been taken against the accused official(s).

While farmers have accused the bank secretary Asit Behuria of swindling the money, they also suspect the involvement of other officials. Irate farmers demanded the strictest and exemplary punishment for those involved in the fraud of swindling money of innocent and uneducated farmers.

According to sources, at least 10 farmers have been victims of the fraud. Without their knowledge, the bank official(s) allegedly withdrew money from their account as most of the farmers do not have proper knowledge in withdrawing money, passbook updates, and other banking systems.

Several cases have been lodged with the Rajkanika police station. However, no action has been taken in this regard. Frustrated, the farmers finally resorted to protesting outside the bank. 

“The Baruna Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society secretary Asit Behuria has swindled lakhs of rupees from the accounts of farmers without their knowledge. Despite several written complaints, no action has been taken against him,” alleged farmer leader, Prabesan Mallick.

Also Read | Water Resources Dept Assistant Engineer Under Vigilance Eye, Raid on at 8 Places in Odisha

When contacted, Nirod Kumar Nayak, Manager, Cuttack Central Cooperative Bank of Rajkanika Branch said, “The farmers who are sitting in protest have not even held a discussion with me. I have informed my higher authorities about the protest. We want the farmers to put up their demands in writing so that we can talk to them and come out with a solution.”