CBI Arrests Nine Accused in An On-Going Investigation of a Case Related to Bank Fraud Involving Wrongful Fore-Closure of Cpt’s Fixed Deposits

(Judicial Quest News Network)

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested 09 accused (all private persons) in an on-going investigation of a case related to Bank fraud in which fixed deposits of Chennai Port Trust (CPT) were fore-closed/pre-closed wrongfully.

          CBI had registered a case on 31.07.2020 on a complaint from Indian Bank, Chennai against 02 private persons; Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Koyambedu Branch, Chennai and other unknown public servants & private persons on the allegations of committing fraud, forgery, impersonation with the intention to cheat the bank to the tune of Rs.100,57,50,000/-. It was further alleged that a loss to the tune of Rs. 45,40,65,000/- was caused to Indian Bank by way of foreclosing/pre-closing of several term deposits (fixed deposits) created in the name of Chennai Port Trust (CPT) and also transferring/withdrawing the said amount through various accounts etc.

          It was also alleged that the accused in conspiracy with each other canvassed the Bank & Chennai Port Trust (CPT) for opening of term deposits in the Koyembedu Branch, Indian Bank and accordingly, 45 Term deposits (FD) were created during the period between March 2020 and May 2020. One of the accused allegedly impersonated himself as Deputy Director (Finance) of Chennai Port Trust and opened fake current account in the name of CPT at Koyambedu Branch, Indian Bank. After the receipt of investment from the CPT on every occasions, the Bank created term deposit receipts (Bond) against the said investment and the said bond was received by the accused from the bank directly. Instead of delivering the original bond to CPT, the accused made duplicate bonds and submitted the forged bonds to CPT.

          It was further alleged that original bonds having in possession, the accused allegedly presented the same before Indian Bank, Koyambedu Branch and pre-closed the Term Deposits one after another within few days of creation of term deposits. The money received from the pre-closure of Term deposits was allegedly credited into the fake current account created in the name of CPT by the accused and subsequently transferred to 28 different accounts. This money was withdrawn by the 28 account holders and handed over to the accused persons. CPT was continuously investing in term deposits and the same was allegedly pre-closed by the accused one after another, after the bonds were created by the Bank. In that process a total of Rs. 100.57 crore (approx.) was transferred from CPT in 5 investments against which 45 Term Deposits of different amounts were created. Out of the total amount invested, Rs. 55.19 crore could be freezed after the detection of the fraud and remaining Rs. 45,40,65,000/- were swindled by the accused.

          Searches were earlier conducted at 22 locations including at Chennai, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Nagercoil which led to recovery of several incriminating documents and material objects.

          Out of 9 arrested accused, 08 were produced before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai and remanded to Judicial Custody. Remaining one accused arrested from Tirunelveli was taken on transit remand from the Competent Court.