A massive financial corruption case involving a huge sum of money at the Durgapur Steel People's Co-operative Bank has sparked a sensation across the state. Fully acknowledging the truth of this financial scandal, the state Minister for Food and Co-operation, Ashok Kirtania, has warned of strict legal action against the corrupt individuals involved in the incident.
On Saturday afternoon, Minister Ashok Kirtania paid a surprise visit to the Durgapur Steel People's Co-operative Bank Limited located in the Benachity area. Allegations of various irregularities regarding this co-operative bank had surfaced recently, and a section of concerned quarters believes the minister's sudden visit to inspect these claims is highly significant.
After touring the bank premises, the minister held a high-level meeting with officials of the department. During the meeting, reviewing the bank's internal accounts and various documents left everyone stunned. Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Ashok Kirtania clearly stated that a massive financial fraud of approximately ₹40 crore 60 lakh 51 thousand 565 had occurred in this co-operative bank. He questioned how and with whose approval such a huge amount of loan was sanctioned. He also confronted the loan-sanctioning officers in charge and subjected them to intense interrogation regarding the matter.
Initiating the probe, the minister delivered an even tougher message. He stated that whoever is involved behind this scandal will not be spared. Even if any official or employee linked to this corruption has already retired from service, they will not be excused. He also issued a stern warning that, if necessary, the movable and immovable properties of the guilty individuals would be confiscated.
To make the investigation process more dynamic and transparent and to bring radical changes to the co-operative bank's internal infrastructure, the minister ordered major administrative actions. Specifically, he directed the immediate transfer of employees who have been maintaining an absolute dominance while working in the same department for many years. Minister Ashok Kirtania even gave a clear message that this order must be implemented by tomorrow. The local administration of the bank and the co-operative department has been jolted into action following the minister's whirlwind visit and strict measures.
