Money Vanishes from 1,500 Post Office Accounts: Deposits Range from 2 Lakhs to 12 Lakhs

Over 1,500 villagers in Bageshwar district have reportedly lost nearly ₹2 crore in an alleged scam at the Simgarhi sub-post office, which operates under the Kameridevi post office. The fraud was discovered when account holders noticed discrepancies in their balances after the postmaster vanished without a trace.

Villagers Demand Answers

On Thursday, residents from nearby villages, including Majhera, Simgarhi, Chipchipiya, and Pathkyuda, gathered at the Kameridevi post office to confront authorities about their missing funds. Many were left shocked and anxious as they checked their account balances.

In response to the crisis, postal authorities have urged calm and assured villagers that a thorough investigation is underway. Rajesh Binwal, Chief Postal Superintendent of the Almora region, confirmed the inquiry, stating, “We have dispatched a team to investigate, and all facts will be revealed soon. Action will be taken against those involved.”

Victims Share Their Stories

Among the victims is 70-year-old Sharda Devi, who had saved ₹2 lakh over four years. “I saved every rupee. My daughter sent some money from Delhi, and I added my old-age pension. Now the account shows only ₹2,000,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. Many elderly villagers like Devi relied on the post office for their savings due to the distance to the nearest bank.

Another victim, Ramesh Rathore, had deposited ₹12 lakh in fixed deposits over the years. “I’ve been saving for decades, and now they say my balance is zero. How will we survive?” he lamented.

Madan Singh, who contributed to a recurring deposit (RD) account since 2015, was devastated to find that his passbook, which once showed ₹3 lakh, now reflected only ₹33. “When I saw the balance, the ground slipped from under my feet. I’ve been cheated out of everything,” he expressed.

Village head Uttam Rathore, who organized the affected villagers at the post office, stated, “Most of the post office staff are missing or on leave. The people’s entire savings are gone.”