Jaisalmer: Police Saturday arrested former managing director Jagdish Suthar and former cashier Vivek Sen of the Jaisalmer Central Co-operative Bank in a case involving alleged misappropriation of Rs 70 lakh meant for 70 farmers’ agricultural claims.Police said the fraud surfaced in 2020 at Kanooi Gram Seva Sahakari Samiti, where the money was allegedly siphoned off after being routed through the bank’s Chandhan branch. ASP Revantdan said samiti chairman Roje Khan alleged that funds were withdrawn using his forged signatures.Investigators said the claim amount was deposited in the society’s main account and then transferred to the Chandhan branch. Instead of being credited to farmers’ accounts, the money was withdrawn and misappropriated.Police alleged the scam involved collusion with administrator Naresh Kumar, who was removed after his arrest earlier and is out on bail, and Chandhan branch manager Ashwini Kevalia, who remains absconding.Police said Roje Khan removed Naresh Kumar as administrator on Aug 30, 2020, over suspected irregularities and informed Suthar “both in writing and verbally.” Despite this, police allege Suthar violated rules, colluded with the removed administrator and cleared payments of Rs 20 lakh on Sept 8 and Rs 50 lakh on Sept 25, totalling Rs 70 lakh, “contrary to regulations.”Investigators said Kanooi Society’s main account was in the Jaisalmer branch, but payments were processed through the Chandhan branch as part of the alleged conspiracy. Police said the funds were not transferred directly to farmers’ online accounts despite state government directives.Suthar is currently posted as deputy registrar in Barmer, while Sen is the Mohangadh Co-operative Manager. Police said the search for Kevalia is continuing.Police said an inquiry under Sections 55 and 57 of the Rajasthan Co-operative Act found Suthar, Naresh Kumar, Kevalia and Sen guilty.
