Tk 97 lakh embezzlement from BR: Probe body recommends ‘punitive action’

The probe body formed to investigate embezzlement of Tk 97 lakh from Bangladesh Railways (BR) has recommended "punitive action" against embezzlers including railway employees, bank officials and staffers of the supply firm.

Contacted, railway's Divisional Account Officer Joyshree Majumder, head of the probe body, today said, "We submitted a report to the concerned department and recommended punitive action against the embezzlers."

But she refused to give further details regarding the matter, reports Chattogram correspondent.

"This money has been embezzled in connivance with three parties, including BR, supply firm and bank employees. We have found their involvement with this embezzlement," a member of the probe body told reporters seeking anonymity.

Saidur Rahman Sarkar, additional account officer of the BR (east), told reporters that they received a probe report and would take action as per law.

The probe committee was formed on February 8 to investigate the embezzlement while BR initially found that a syndicate had embezzled government money submitting fake bill vouchers.

BR also fired seven employees for their suspected involvement in the corruption.

According to BR, accused supply firm Cosmopolitan Corporation withdrew the money from Shimanto Bank Limited, Agrabad branch, on January 31 after submitting fake bill vouchers.