Chaibasa. A cluster of women from West Singhbhum district has filed a formal grievance accusing a large‑scale financial fraud. They say they were lured with promises of start‑up support, only to watch substantial sums being drained from their bank accounts without explicit permission.

Who lodged the complaint?

Sadhucharan Singh Kuntia, the district secretary of an international human‑rights body, handed a written complaint on Monday to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police. The petition calls for a high‑level probe and decisive action against any party found responsible.

Locations and victims

The filing lists women hailing from Bada Rayekman in the Kumaradungi block, together with residents of Parampancho and Narsanda villages that fall under the Muffasil police‑station’s jurisdiction.

Alleged perpetrators

According to the complaint, Rita Hembram and Rajendra Kumar Hembram of Andhari, Bada Rayekman, are identified as the chief suspects. They are said to have approached the women with assurances of monetary aid to launch micro‑enterprises.

Sum allegedly withdrawn

The grievance asserts that a total of ₹12.57 lakh was siphoned from the accounts of 14 beneficiaries across several banks and financial institutions. Notable transactions mentioned include:

  • ₹2.35 lakh debited from Nikita Hembram’s account
  • ₹1.90 lakh taken from Sunika Hembram’s account
  • ₹1.50 lakh withdrawn from Suryamuni Maharana’s account
  • ₹1.20 lakh drawn from Kuni Hembram’s account

In most instances, the women were handed a token amount of merely ₹500, and several say they never received their bank passbooks.

Pressure over supposed loans

The situation has escalated, with complainants reporting that the affected families are now being asked to repay loans allegedly tied to the withdrawn money. This demand has added a fresh layer of financial strain to households already reeling from the suspected fraud.

Demand for investigation

The human‑rights organization has urged the district administration and police to verify the transactions, investigate the role of the named individuals, and ascertain whether any bank officials were complicit. It also seeks help in recovering the funds that were reportedly taken from the women’s accounts.

Next steps

The accusations remain unproven pending a formal inquiry. Authorities are expected to scrutinise bank records, transaction logs, and any other evidence before reaching conclusions about liability.