Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. An 80-year-old retired doctor has allegedly been cheated of ₹9 lakh after two unidentified women used a missing cheque to withdraw money from her account at a private bank branch on Court Road. Police have registered a case against unknown persons at Kranti Chowk Police Station and have begun a detailed investigation.
Missing Cheque Used for Withdrawal
According to police, the retired medical practitioner had recently found that one of her cheques was missing. Investigators said the cheque later became the instrument used to carry out the alleged fraud.
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The two unidentified women reportedly first visited the bank to inquire about the account balance. After learning that the account contained ₹9 lakh, they allegedly returned to initiate the withdrawal.
Bank Visit Raises Suspicion
Police sources said the women came back to the bank the next day and deposited the cheque, seeking withdrawal of the full ₹9 lakh. Bank staff initially told them that enough cash was not available and suggested a partial withdrawal.
The women allegedly insisted that the entire amount was urgently required for hospital-related work. On April 8, the bank reportedly processed the cheque and handed over ₹9 lakh in cash.
A few days later, the retired doctor noticed the debit from her account and contacted the bank. She was informed that the money had been withdrawn using the cheque presented by two women. She then approached the police and filed a complaint.
CCTV Footage Under Examination
Police reviewed CCTV footage from the bank branch during the investigation. The footage reportedly shows two women withdrawing cash from the counter, but both were wearing burqas, making identification difficult.
Officials said technical analysis of the footage and related digital evidence is underway. Investigators are also examining banking records, transaction timing and cheque handling details to trace the suspects.
Police suspect the fraud may have been carefully planned, given the use of the missing cheque and the manner in which the withdrawal was carried out. Authorities are also checking whether the suspects had prior knowledge of the victim’s account details or access to information linked to the cheque.
The case has raised concerns over cheque-based frauds targeting elderly account holders. Police have advised citizens, particularly senior citizens, to report missing cheques immediately and monitor their bank accounts regularly.
