Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Thursday arrested a suspended woman cashier of the State Bank of India (SBI) for allegedly embezzling more than ₹200 million (₹20.6 crore) from a bank branch in Bilaspur district.
The accused has been identified as Tejavath Thirapatamma, who was posted as a cashier at the SBI branch in Bilha at the time of the alleged fraud.
Fraud Committed Over a Short Period
According to investigators, the financial irregularities occurred between December 19, 2024, and January 2, 2025. During this period, the accused allegedly manipulated bank records and customer accounts in collusion with other staff members and external associates.
The ACB stated that Thirapatamma systematically diverted funds into multiple accounts and later concealed the transactions by falsely showing the amounts as routine bank expenses, including refreshments, food, rent, and maintenance costs. The total misappropriated amount has been calculated at ₹206,37,600.
FIR and Investigation
The case came to light after a formal complaint was filed by branch manager Piyush Bara at the ACB/EOW headquarters in Raipur. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered on January 19, 2026, under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Accused Was Absconding After Suspension
Officials revealed that the accused had been suspended in June 2025 and attached to the Regional Business Office in Jagdalpur, but she remained continuously absent from duty and was untraceable for several months.
On Thursday, acting on a tip-off that the accused had secretly arrived at the Bilha branch, the ACB team conducted a swift operation and detained her. Following interrogation, she was formally arrested.
Key Evidence Seized, More Arrests Likely
During the arrest, investigators seized a suspicious mobile phone, which is expected to provide crucial leads related to the financial transactions and possible involvement of other bank employees and associates.
Officials confirmed that Thirapatamma is originally from Khammam district in Andhra Pradesh.
The accused will be produced before the Special Court in Bilaspur as the agency seeks custodial remand for further questioning. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further revelations and arrests are likely as the probe progresses.