Allegations of large-scale financial fraud have surfaced at the Baiganbadia Post Office under Jaleswar police station limits in Odisha’s Balasore district, with more than Rs 1.5 crore reportedly misappropriated from post office savings accounts. The alleged fraud has affected nearly 600 depositors and over 1,500 accounts linked to various postal savings schemes.
According to depositors, a postmaster identified as Pramit Ranjan Ghadei allegedly siphoned off funds by collecting money under false pretexts, at times issuing stamped receipts and in other cases accepting deposits on plain paper. Depositors said they trusted the credibility of the post office as a Central government institution.
Several depositors further alleged that their signatures were forged and money withdrawn without their consent. Many claimed they discovered the irregularities only after repeated account verification attempts. Despite complaints to postal authorities, they alleged that no concrete action has been taken so far.
Amid growing distress, depositors have warned of protests if authorities fail to recover the money and initiate strict legal action. Postal officials stated that a detailed inquiry is underway and assured that further steps would be taken after investigation.
