In a significant development, an FIR has been registered by the Navghar police in Mulund (east) against former members of the housing society committee. The complaint, filed by the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, alleges misappropriation of funds by the accused individuals, leading to a detailed investigation into the financial affairs of Sachin Cooperative Housing Society.
The FIR, registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and the Maharashtra Co-operative Society Act, stems from concerns raised during the statutory audit conducted by a Chartered Accountant. The audit covered the society’s funds for the fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.
The accused individuals, who held various positions within the organization between April 1, 2017, and October 22, 2017, including building secretary, chairman, treasurer, and members, are now under scrutiny. The complaint alleges that a sum of Rs 5.62 lakh was withdrawn between 06/04/2017 and 12/11/2017, with Rs 4.16 lakh purportedly utilized for society-related purposes. However, discrepancies were noted in the expenditure documentation.
The complaint highlights that Rs 32,906 was incurred through 17 vouchers, lacking accompanying bills specifying the nature of expenditure. Despite efforts to obtain details from the previous and current managing committees and the secretary of the new committee, the complainant faced unresponsiveness. Furthermore, a portion of the withdrawn amount was allegedly disbursed in cash to an individual named Rajanna.
The Co-operative Societies Act of 1960 stipulates that withdrawals exceeding Rs 1,500 from the organization’s account should be executed via a bank cheque. However, the managing committee is accused of withdrawing the amount in cash, violating these regulations.
The complaint follows a letter from the District Deputy Registrar Cooperative Society, informing the complainant of alleged misappropriation by the previous office-bearers and managing committee members. The complainant was directed to report the matter to the local police station, leading to the registration of the FIR.
Senior Inspector Dattaram Girap of Navghar police station stated that the investigation is ongoing, and appropriate actions will be determined upon its completion.
