Unraveling the Alleged Rs 30 Lakh Embezzlement at Rishi Apartments, Chandigarh

There's a cloud of concern hanging over the residents of Rishi Apartments Cooperative House Building Society in Chandigarh's Sector 49 these days. What's unfolding is quite a serious matter, really – an official investigation has been launched into allegations of substantial financial wrongdoing, potentially involving a staggering Rs 30 lakh that seems to have vanished from the society's coffers. It’s the kind of news that, quite frankly, shakes the trust right out of a community.

The spotlight, it appears, is shining on some former key figures within the society's leadership: the erstwhile president, Anil Kumar Sood, along with the former secretary, Manju Bala, and treasurer, Raman Gupta. These individuals are now at the heart of an intensive audit, ordered by none other than the Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Chandigarh. The directive is clear: get to the bottom of these accusations of misappropriation and alleged fraud. Imagine finding out your community funds, meant for shared welfare, might have been siphoned off – it’s a truly unsettling thought.

So, how was this alleged embezzlement supposedly carried out? Well, the initial findings point to a rather concerning pattern. We're talking about cheques being issued directly to these former office bearers – Mr. Sood, Ms. Bala, and Mr. Gupta – for sums that, frankly, lack proper justification or documentation. Beyond that, there are accusations of significant cash withdrawals, operating a separate, unauthorized bank account, and even, alarmingly, fabricating records and manipulating minute books to cover their tracks. It paints a picture of deliberate action, not just a simple oversight.

Let's delve a little deeper into the specific amounts mentioned in the inquiry. It's alleged that approximately Rs 16.5 lakh was paid to Anil Kumar Sood for "maintenance work," yet there’s apparently no paperwork to back up such a substantial expense. Then there's Rs 5.5 lakh said to have gone to Manju Bala and another Rs 3.5 lakh to Raman Gupta, again, without any clear reason. And the plot thickens: around Rs 5 lakh was reportedly drawn in cash from that separate, unauthorized account. What's truly galling is the suggestion that society funds might have been used for personal legal battles or even to pay an architect for a building completely unrelated to Rishi Apartments. You can see why residents are demanding answers.

Now, this isn't exactly a bolt from the blue for the Rishi Apartments community. Members have reportedly been voicing their concerns and suspicions about financial irregularities for years. In fact, a previous inquiry in 2017 had already flagged issues like the non-submission of audit reports. The current managing committee, which took office in July 2023 following a court-ordered election, found themselves inheriting a real mess. It was their diligence in reviewing past transactions and accounts that brought these alleged discrepancies to the fore, finally pushing the matter to a formal investigation.

The official inquiry, led by M.S. Kohli, the Assistant Registrar (Audit), is now in full swing, with a mandate to wrap up its findings within 90 days. It's a critical period for the society, as everyone hopes this investigation will meticulously uncover the truth, establish accountability, and, crucially, help recover any funds that have been improperly taken. This whole situation serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of transparency and robust oversight in community organizations.