In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about financial security within military establishments, a clerk at the Indian Army’s canteen stores department (CSD) in Mathura has reportedly absconded after allegedly embezzling over Rs 2 crore from the agency’s account.
The fraud came to light when Captain Pankaj Yadav, who oversees the canteen operations, noticed a significant financial discrepancy while reviewing the bank statements.
According to the details shared by the complainant, Naik Deepak Kumar, the individual in question, systematically siphoned off a total of Rs 2,05,26,762 from the official canteen account. This was accomplished through a series of seven cheques transferred to accounts held jointly by Deepak Kumar and his wife, Monica.
The individual allegedly executed the transfers in varying amounts, including Rs 42,15,294, Rs 50,00,000, Rs 30,06,119, Rs 29,99,230, Rs 30,06,119, Rs 25,01,570, and Rs 24,98,430.
When Captain Yadav discovered these transactions on Wednesday, immediate action was initiated. He filed a formal complaint at the Sadar Bazar police station, prompting a swift investigation.
DSP (city) Praveen Malik confirmed on Friday that an FIR was lodged against Kumar, citing violations under BNS sections 316(5), which pertains to criminal breach of trust, and 318(4), dealing with cheating involving property or valuable security.
Authorities have since been attempting to locate the accused, who has reportedly fled the area. Efforts to reach Kumar through his mobile phone have been unsuccessful, and inquiries into his whereabouts have yielded no results. Family members have also been contacted but indicate that he has not returned home and is evading law enforcement.
This incident underscores the pressing need for enhanced oversight and security measures in military financial operations to prevent such egregious breaches of trust, particularly within institutions that play a critical role in national security.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to track down the fugitive clerk and recover the embezzled funds.
