Over Rs 6 crore fraudulently withdrawn, 4 suspended

Kohima, June 8 (UNI) The functioning of a sub-treasury office at Pfutsero under Phek district of Nagaland has been temporarily suspended following detection of fraudulent withdrawals.

According to a press release issued by Special Secretary and Ex-Officio Director, Treasuries and Accounts Menukhol John, the Account General of Nagaland in June 2006, had reported that Rs 33,17,500 was paid in August 2005 by Pfutsero sub-treasury on the strength of some bogus gratuity payment authorities.

A special audit team dispatched to the sub-treasury for investigation confirmed bogus pension payments of Rs 6,13,54,575 from November 27, 2003 to March 13, 2006.

During inquiry, the Sub-Treasury Officer reportedly confessed that these payments were made by him under pressure, but he never reported the matter to the government.

The Sub-Treasury Officer, Senior Accounts Assistant, Junior Accounts Assistant and a Potdar were placed under suspension and the matter was under investigation of the Vigilance Commission and Treasury Department.

UNI