Data operator cheats CBI of Rs 18 lakh

 A data entry operator allegedly managed to siphon off Rs 18 lakh from the accounts of the country’s premier investigation agency CBI.

The case came to light after a complaint was filed by pay and accounts officer, who works under the finance ministry and manages accounts of CBI, that a data entry operator hired by them on a contractual basis, had allegedly withdrawn Rs 18 lakh through cheques, CBI sources said.

The PAO, who sits in the CBI headquarters, alleged these are initial figures but the amount may be higher as more such withdrawls could come to light, they said.

Based on a complaint, the agency arrested Prashant Kumar Jha, a resident of Uttam Nagar, under the Indian Penal Code sections relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery among others and relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption Act.

He was produced before a special CBI court here on Saturday which sent them to 10-day agency custody. In its complaint, the PAO alleged Jha, after hacking into accounts, got two cheques — one for Rs 9.39 lakh issued in his name and another of Rs 8.68 lakh in another person’s name — encashed from banks in Uttam Nagar.

The officer alleged that there is a possibility that Jha could have got more cheques encashed. The PAO alleged Jha was hired on contractual basis through a placement agency in the national capital.

The complainant alleged the fraud was detected in the accounts of CBI related to fiscal 2011-12 and 2012-13.