Defalcation of Tk 1 cr detected

Sources in the probe team said the embezzled amount may touch Tk one crore and more postal employees other than the six accused could be involved in the scam.

But they were tight lipped, not to disclose details.

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The five-member probe team is lead by Amanullah Majumder, Assistant Post Master General.

"We are scanning all papers and documents including those on postal certificates and money order", said Majumder.

"It's a deep rooted scam ever detected in the history of postal department.

"We will check all financial irregularities in Gaibandha Postal Department", he said.

An organised gang was involved in misappropriation of funds through forgery of saving accounts, repeated sale of same savings certificates and withdrawal of cash by preparing fake money orders, he said.

The six accused persons are absconding soon after the first probe team led by Postal Department Director Abdur Rashid began investigation on April 4. They even did not hand over charges prior to fleeing, said Amjad Hossain, Post Master of Gaibandha Post Office.

Postal authorities suspect the culprits might have damaged many important documents to destroy witnesses.

"No matter, we will able to trace out all irregularities, but police co-operation is needed to make it a success", said another probe team member.

Police yet to nab any of six culprits involved in the scam though a case was filed on April 7.

Many of the depositors are now asking the postal officials whether the passbooks given to them are genuine or fake.

The Post Master assured the customers that they need not be worried about their savings.

Police said they are on a manhunt for the accused persons but their houses are locked. They fled away with their families, said police.