ED Uncovers ₹18.6 Crore Scam in Gujarat Post Offices
In a significant crackdown on financial irregularities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 19 post offices across Gujarat, unearthing a large-scale scam involving the misappropriation of ₹18.60 crore in public funds. The affected post offices are located in Gondal, Jamnagar, Ravalwadi, Chotila, and other regions.
Modus Operandi: Manipulation of SAP System and Bogus Transactions
The scam, carried out by sub-postmasters, involved reopening closed recurring deposit accounts using fabricated forms and misusing customer details. Fraudsters manipulated the government’s SAP software tool to manually upload false payment details, thus diverting funds.
In the Ravalwadi Post Office, accounts previously closed were reopened under false pretenses. Similarly, at the Surajkuji Post Office in Jamnagar, fraudulent transactions totaling ₹2.94 crore were conducted using forged documents and tampered savings account details.
Major Findings
- Mengni Sub Post Office (Gondal Division):A sub-postmaster embezzled ₹9.97 crore between October 2019 and November 2022. This individual was previously implicated in a ₹10 crore fraud two years ago.
- Jamnagar Division:Fraudulent activities worth ₹2.94 crore were detected, of which ₹1.57 crore was linked to postal savings and deposit accounts.
The fraudsters reportedly created bogus closure forms and presented them as new investments under different schemes. Personal details of unsuspecting customers were exploited to open accounts under false pretenses.
Misuse of Funds
Investigations have revealed that the embezzled money was used for personal gains, including purchasing land and other assets. The shift to online financial transactions at post offices provided an opportunity for the perpetrators to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Legal Action
Several First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The ED is working to trace the flow of funds and identify all individuals involved.
A Growing Scandal
The scale of the scam suggests the involvement of multiple postal officers. Investigations indicate that systemic lapses and inadequate oversight facilitated these fraudulent activities over several years.
Implications
The discovery has raised concerns about the security of public funds in government institutions. Calls for stricter oversight and improved software security measures have intensified.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the ED aims to uncover the full extent of the scam and ensure accountability. This incident serves as a wake-up call for tighter control mechanisms in government-run financial systems.
Further updates on the case are awaited as authorities delve deeper into what could be one of Gujarat's largest post office scams.
