Cooperative dept begins inquiry into irregularities

T'puram: The cooperative department began an inquiry as per section 65 of the state cooperative rules on the alleged irregularities surrounding Thirumala Service Cooperative Bank.The inquiry was ordered after finding irregularities in the audit report and several depositors approached the department with complaints. The depositors stopped receiving interest and their attempts to withdraw deposits weren't entertained by the administrative panel members.A few days ago, the department engaged an administrator at the society after dissolving the administrative panel, whose members are accused of committing various irregularities. "The total amount of irregularity and the nature of it will be known only after the 65-inquiry report. Once it is over, the findings will be verified through an inquiry as per section 68 (1) of cooperative rules. The liability of the members in the panel will also be calculated and a final order asking them to pay the amount will be issued as per section 68 (2). If the money is not paid in 30 days, recovery measures will be initiated," said an officer at the department.The depositors also filed a complaint with the Ombudsman, and an order was passed by the Ombudsman directing the panel members to clear their deposits in three months. "The panel members were least bothered about the order of the Ombudsman, as they did not pay our money even after three months. We are now planning to approach the high court and we are hopeful of the departmental inquiry, which began very late," said Suresh M, who deposited Rs 6 lakhs at the bank in 2019.Depositors alleged that Poojappura police haven't registered cases on their complaints despite approaching them several times. "A complaint was given months ago, but police preferred to settle the issue by directing panel members to pay the money soon. I was promised that money would be returned soon in front of police, but the promise remains unfulfilled," said another depositor, who doesn't want to be named.

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