Chaibasa. A coalition of women from West Singhbhum district has filed a formal grievance alleging a large‑scale financial swindle. They claim they were lured with promises of start‑up capital, only to discover substantial sums silently drained from their bank accounts without proper authorization.

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 document calls for a high‑level inquiry and swift action against any parties found culpable.

Geographic scope and victims

The filing lists women from Bada Rayekman in the Kumaradungi block, as well as residents of Parampancho and Narsanda villages under the jurisdiction of the Muffasil police station.

Alleged perpetrators

According to the petition, Rita Hembram and Rajendra Kumar Hembram of Andhari, Bada Rayekman, are identified as the main suspects. They are said to have approached the women with assurances of financial assistance to launch micro‑enterprises.

Money reportedly withdrawn

The complaint asserts that a total of ₹12.57 lakh was extracted from the accounts of 14 beneficiaries across several banks and financial institutions. Highlighted transactions include:

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

In most cases, the women received only a token amount of ₹500, and several report that they never got their bank passbooks back.

Pressure over supposed loans

The situation has escalated, with complainants stating that the affected families are now being asked to repay loans allegedly linked to the withdrawn funds. This has added a fresh layer of financial stress to households already reeling from the alleged fraud.

Demand for a probe

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

Next steps

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