GUWAHATI : A massive corruption scandal has emerged at the Shrirampur branch of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, exposing a scheme where millions were embezzled under the guise of government aid.

The scam involves bank officials and operatives who have deceived thousands of beneficiaries by promising temporary financial assistance of Rs 15,000.

The scheme, orchestrated by Dilip Kumar Narzary, the alleged mastermind and his accomplices Thomas Borgoary and Ronen Hajowari, operates by convincing villagers that they are eligible for government aid. Borgoary and Hajowari, posing as officials, collect personal documents from villagers, which they then hand over to Narzary.

Narzary, using his position, ensures that fraudulent loan documents are approved. Despite the promise of Rs 15,000 aid, beneficiaries receive only Rs 5,000, with the remaining funds embezzled.

The scheme extends further, as loans of Rs 1 lakh or more are recorded on paper, while the majority of the funds are siphoned off by the fraudsters.

Victims, upon reviewing their account statements, discovered discrepancies with loans listed between Rs 1,01,862 and Rs 1,22,000, despite receiving only Rs 5,000. The exposed scam has led to public outcry, with affected residents demanding a thorough government investigation and severe penalties for those involved.