Jammu, The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Jammu has taken a significant step forward in addressing financial fraud with the submission of a preliminary charge-sheet against four individuals accused of swindling Rs 5 crore from various branches of J&K Bank across the Union Territory.
The prime accused, Saleem Yousaf Bhatti, a former contractual employee in the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, allegedly exploited his position and misrepresented facts to secure loans under the guise of a government scheme for District Poonch. The co-accused, Mohd Altaf, Ruksana Tabassum, and Zahida Parveen, residents of Mendhar, Poonch, are implicated in activating inactive accounts, fabricating fake documents, and obtaining personal loans, cash credit loans, and car loans by posing as government employees. Additionally, they opened fraudulent government accounts at J&K Bank branches.
The charges stem from a complaint filed by the Chief Manager of J&K Bank, highlighting illicit activities at the Lassana branch in Surankote, Poonch. The accused allegedly manipulated account nomenclatures, created fictitious salary certificates, and confirmation letters for non-existent employees.
The preliminary charge-sheet comes after thorough verification substantiating the allegations, marking a crucial development in the ongoing investigation. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the fraud, with a focus on uncovering any additional connections in the case.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for stringent measures to combat financial fraud and emphasizes the role of investigative bodies in ensuring accountability and justice.
