Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder clarified that AMC is not responsible for the ₹16.43 crore fraud, blaming UCO Bank for failing to prevent cloned cheque transactions. An FIR has been lodged as funds were siphoned to a Hyderabad agency.
Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor Dipak Majumder on Saturday categorically stated that the AMC should not be blamed for the fraudulent transactions that led to the embezzlement of ₹16.43 crore from the corporation’s official bank account. Instead, he held the bank responsible for safeguarding the trust and funds of depositors.
Majumder, while addressing the media, revealed that cloned bearer cheques were allegedly used to siphon off the large sum deposited in the AMC’s account with the main branch of UCO Bank in Agartala. “Prima facie it appears that cloned bearer cheques had been used to siphon off ₹16.43 crore deposited in the main branch of UCO bank in Agartala. The original cheques are lying with us,” he said.
The Mayor clarified that while the original cheques remained intact with AMC authorities, the funds were diverted illegally to the account of a Hyderabad-based agency. “We don’t know whether anyone from the bank is complicit in this criminal act, but we have no other option but to keep faith in the banks. We have lodged an FIR and served a letter to the bank authorities asking to return our money,” Majumder added.
Funds Transferred to Hyderabad Firm
According to preliminary reports, the siphoned money was credited to a Hyderabad-based private agency, with which AMC has no official ties. “We don’t have any links with the agency that has received the money. The legalities are being looked into, and we shall take all possible steps to ensure that the money meant for the development of the public is restored and used for its intended purpose,” the Mayor asserted.
The Mayor also urged the bank authorities to act promptly and responsibly in order to regain the public’s confidence. The scam has raised serious questions about the security protocols of banking systems and highlighted the need for stronger checks to prevent such large-scale frauds in the future.
FIR and Administrative Steps
The AMC has lodged a formal complaint with the police, demanding a thorough investigation into the fraud. The Mayor emphasized that legal proceedings will be pursued with full rigor. “We have faith in the law and investigation agencies. Our foremost priority is to recover the embezzled funds and redirect them for the welfare of the citizens of Agartala,” he said.
He further added that AMC will not tolerate any compromise in the execution of developmental works due to this incident. The matter has also drawn public concern, with citizens urging strict accountability and transparency.
Inspection of Abhaynagar Road Project
During the press briefing, Mayor Majumder was inspecting the progress of the cover-drain project at Abhaynagar Road, a crucial link connecting GB Pant Hospital. He stated that road expansion and drainage improvements are being fast-tracked to ensure smoother connectivity.
“After a long time, the road connecting GB Pant hospital through Abhoynagar is being expanded for the convenience of the public. We are making all efforts to ensure that before Durga Puja, the ongoing construction works are completed. This will allow devotees arriving from different corners of the state to participate in the festivities without inconvenience or traffic snarls,” Majumder said.
Public Confidence at Stake
The fraudulent transaction has sparked widespread debate across Tripura regarding banking security and municipal fund management. Citizens and stakeholders alike are keenly awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The Mayor, however, reassured that development work and public projects will continue as planned, while legal battles unfold to reclaim the lost funds.
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“People’s money cannot be allowed to vanish in thin air. The money belongs to the public, and it must return to serve its original purpose,” Majumder concluded firmly.
The incident marks one of the largest financial frauds involving a civic body in Tripura and has underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms in both banking practices and municipal financial oversight.
