A major case of financial irregularity has emerged in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, where approximately ₹3 crore is alleged to have been fraudulently withdrawn from the district treasury. The incident has surfaced at a time when the state is already grappling with similar large-scale treasury scams reported in Hazaribagh and Bokaro.
The case is linked to the Institute of Animal Health and Production in Kanke, where two employees have been accused of embezzling government funds by manipulating salary accounts.
Kuber Portal Exploited for Salary Fraud
Following administrative instructions, Executive Magistrate Md. Zafar Hasnat filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Kotwali police station. Acting swiftly, police detained both accused employees for questioning.
Preliminary investigations suggest that accountant Munindra Kumar allegedly transferred ₹1.52 crore into his personal bank accounts, while another employee, Sanjeev Kumar, is accused of illegally diverting ₹1.41 crore through fraudulent transactions.
According to investigators, both accused misused the government’s “Kuber Portal” between financial years 2023–24 and 2025–26, manipulating salary bills to withdraw amounts beyond their legitimate entitlements.
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Structured Embezzlement Over Multiple Years
Officials believe the fraud was not an isolated incident but a well-planned operation executed over a long period by exploiting weaknesses in the system.
A detailed 67-page investigation report submitted on April 13 indicates that the irregularities were part of a structured financial embezzlement scheme, with clear evidence suggesting deliberate bypassing of treasury rules.
Part of Broader Jharkhand Treasury Crisis
The incident is being viewed as part of a broader pattern of treasury frauds in the state. Earlier, Bokaro witnessed a ₹4.29 crore scam involving the fraudulent continuation of a retired police personnel in service records, while Hazaribagh reported irregularities worth ₹27 crore.
In response to repeated incidents, the state government has ordered a comprehensive audit of all 33 treasuries and sub-treasuries across Jharkhand. Preliminary estimates suggest that total financial irregularities across the state could exceed ₹50 crore.
Investigating agencies are now examining bank records, digital transactions, salary bills, and system logs to trace the full extent of the network and identify possible additional individuals involved in the scam.
The probe has also revealed that the accused allegedly exploited their access privileges to modify entries in the salary system, enabling excess payments to be transferred directly into their accounts.
Officials have expressed concern that repeated financial fraud cases of this nature could undermine public trust in government financial systems and highlight serious gaps in digital security infrastructure.
Statewide Treasury Audit Ordered
The investigation is currently ongoing, with multiple district-level teams coordinating with state treasury authorities to conduct a detailed examination of the financial network involved.
The finance department is reportedly considering stricter compliance measures, real-time monitoring systems, and enhanced verification protocols to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Authorities have confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against all those found guilty once the investigation is completed, and the scope of the case may be expanded if further evidence emerges during forensic analysis.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
