Chaibasa. A coalition of women from West Singhbhum district has filed a formal grievance alleging a large‑scale financial swindle. They contend that they were approached with offers of micro‑enterprise support, only to watch sizable sums disappear from their bank accounts without explicit consent.

Who lodged the complaint?

Sadhucharan Singh Kuntia, the district secretary of an international human‑rights body, submitted a written petition on Monday to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police. The filing calls for a high‑level probe and firm action against any culpable parties.

Geographic scope and victims

The complaint lists women residing in Bada Rayekman of the Kumaradungi block, as well as inhabitants of Parampancho and Narsanda villages under the Muffasil police‑station’s jurisdiction.

Named suspects

According to the petition, Rita Hembram and Rajendra Kumar Hembram of Andhari, Bada Rayekman, are identified as the principal accused. They allegedly approached the women with assurances of financial assistance to launch small businesses.

Sum allegedly siphoned

The grievance claims that a total of ₹12.57 lakh was withdrawn from the accounts of 14 beneficiaries across multiple banks and financial institutions. Highlighted transactions include:

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

In most cases, the women received a token amount of just ₹500, and several report that their bank passbooks were never returned.

Pressure over phantom loans

The situation has worsened, with complainants stating that the affected families are now being asked to repay loans supposedly tied to the withdrawn money, adding further financial strain to households already reeling from the alleged fraud.

Demand for investigation

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

Next steps

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