Mangaluru: The shocking theft of 6.5 kg of gold and cash by a clerk from the Padavu branch of Shaktinagara Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha has triggered demands for a thorough investigation from both the police and the Cooperative Department.
Dakshina Kannada District Congress Sahakari Samiti President Sudarshan Jain raised the issue at a press meet, urging authorities to act swiftly. He warned that such blatant mismanagement and open theft are eroding public trust in cooperative societies. “If people begin withdrawing their deposits due to fear, the stability of several cooperative institutions across the district may be at risk,” he cautioned.
Jain demanded that compensation be issued within 15 days to all those who lost their money and gold, especially poor and middle-class depositors who had placed their trust in the institution.
Allegations have also surfaced against the branch manager, who is being accused of negligence for allowing the misuse of customer deposits. Additionally, former vice-president Sudhakar Jogi revealed that a female staff member may have been complicit in the scam.
“Even after a month has passed, the victims have received no assurance or compensation,” Jain pointed out, holding the administrative committee and CEO accountable for the lapse. He emphasized that the board must protect the interests of depositors and take urgent steps to restore confidence.