Bokaro: A resident was on Monday accused of illegally withdrawing Rs 81 lakh from the bank account of land compensation recipient Madan Prasad in Petarwar block of district. Deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Nath Jha said, “Accused Ajay Jain alias Pannu allegedly gained the trust of Madan Prasad, who had been working at his residence for years, and deceitfully withdrew money from his account. Prasad was one of the raiyats compensated under the Bharatmala land acquisition project, the district administration said. “Jain reportedly took thumb impressions of Madan on blank cheques and used them to siphon off Rs 81 lakh over nine fraudulent transactions. Bank statements reveal that Rs 9 lakh was withdrawn in cash three times on June 6, June 7, and June 10, 2024 from the Petarwar branch of the Punjab National Bank. Several transactions were also made to the bank accounts of Ajay Jain and his wife,” the DC added.Madan’s family members and other local rayyats (land owners) protested outside Ajay Jain’s house, demanding justice.Calling upon residents to “be aware before giving any signature or thumb impression on financial papers”, DC Jha said, “A thorough inquiry has been ordered. The accused will face strict legal action, if found guilty.”
