Postmaster arrested for embezzling pension amount

Jabalpur, Jan 29 (UNI) A postmaster and his assistant have been arrested in connection with the embezzlement of about Rs 40 lakh of nearly 300 beneficiaries deposited in post office towards old age, destitute, handicapped and social security pension.

''A woman, Zaibunisha, had complained recently that arrears of pensioners and pension amount had been withdrawn by forging signatures and by putting thumb impression,'' City Superintendent of Police Rajesh Tripathi said.

He said Gohalpur postmaster Maksood Ansari and his assistant Kasim Ullah were found guilty during the inquiry. The duo were arrested yesterday. Both accused were presented before the court and sent to jail.

Fifteen seals made in the name of councillors and 322 passbooks were seized from them. Some passbooks had been made in the name of dead persons. These passbooks were used to withdraw pension amount and arrears He said Senior Postal Superintendent S K Khanna has been informed about the matter. A departmental inquiry has been ordered.

UNI RG-PS 1637