PFUTSERO, JUNE 8 (MExN): Despite proof of fraudulent withdrawal by Pfütsero Sub-Treasury to the tune of Rs.6,13,54,575/, over a period of 2 years and 4 months and confirmed possibilities of its recurrence, the government has decided to resume operation of the Sub-Treasury presently under suspension.
The fraud was first detected in June, 2006 by the Accountant General, Nagaland who reported that an amount of Rs.33,17,500/- was paid in August, 2005 by Pfütsero Sub-Treasury on the strength of some bogus Gratuity Payment Authorities. A special Audit Team dispatched to the Sub-Treasury to carry out necessary investigation not only confirmed the AG’s report but also a large number of similar nature of payments of bogus pension payments were detected, and the total amount of such fraudulent withdrawal detected was to Rs.6,13,54,575.
Following confessions by the Sub-Treasury Officer, four staffs of the Sub-Treasury Office, namely LL Mero, Sub-Treasury Officer; Mesezu Kapfo, Senior Accounts Assistant; Wetele, Junior Accounts Assistant; and Ngulo Potdar were suspended and the matter is still under investigation both by the Vigilance Commission and by the Department.
It was also observed that there has been a well-established system in these fraudulent drawals, and there were possibilities of recurrence of similar kind of drawals in the given circumstances. As such, it was decided by the Government to temporarily suspend the operation of the Sub-Treasury at Pfütsero, w.e.f. 3.7.2006.
However, according to the press communiqué received from the Special Secretary to the Government of Nagaland and ex-Officio Director Treasuries & Accounts, Menukhol John, the government has now decided to resume its operation on completion of the new Sub-Treasury building, which is nearing completion. The reason for resuming of the operation was stated as “public interest”. With no known remedial measures having been taken, the government, rather, seems all set to take the risk of similar fraud episode in the near future.
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