Kadaba: Kadaba police have registered a criminal case against a bar employee for allegedly misappropriating cash and liquor stock valued at over Rs 6.57 lakh and subsequently absconding. The incident was reported from Nettana in Bilinele village of Kadaba taluk.

The complaint was lodged by Vishal Stephen (25), a resident of Bilinele village, who stated that the bar is owned by his mother. According to the complaint, the alleged misappropriation came to light following discrepancies noticed in the bar’s financial records.

Employee entrusted with financial responsibility

The accused has been identified as Harshith B K, a resident of Hunchappady in Kadaba. He had been working at the bar for the past seven years and was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including handling daily cash transactions, managing liquor stock, maintaining accounts, and supervising overall operations.

Due to the trust placed in him over the years, Harshith was given complete charge of the bar’s financial dealings and stockroom management.

Discrepancies noticed on December 21

Vishal stated that on the night of December 21, he noticed discrepancies in the bar’s accounts during routine verification. When questioned about the missing amount, Harshith allegedly assured him that the issue would be sorted out the next day and that the business cash would be deposited in the bank on December 22.

However, when the cash was not deposited as promised, Vishal reportedly grew suspicious and decided to check on the accused.

Accused found missing

On visiting Harshith’s room, Vishal found that the employee was missing. Subsequent verification of the bar’s stock and records revealed that liquor stock worth Rs 6,57,104 stored in the stockroom had already been sold.

The complaint alleges that the proceeds from the sale of the liquor were not deposited in the bank and remain unaccounted for. It is further alleged that Harshith also stole the available business cash on the night of December 21 before fleeing from the area.

Case registered under BNS

Based on the complaint, Kadaba police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 303(2), 314, and 316(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which deal with criminal breach of trust, cheating, and misappropriation.

Police officials stated that an investigation has been launched to trace the accused and recover the misappropriated cash and liquor stock. Efforts are also underway to verify financial records and track possible movements of the accused after he went absconding.

Conclusion

The case has highlighted the risks involved in entrusting financial control without regular audits, especially in cash-intensive businesses. Kadaba police have assured that strict action will be taken against the accused once he is traced, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.