Subathu society members hold protest against ‘embezzlement’

Members of the Subathu Urban Co-operative Society today protested outside the shop of a trader accused of usurping society’s funds to the tune Rs 3.5 crore.

A sum of Rs 18 crore was disbursed by society’s former chairman Sushil Garg allegedly in violation of norms to his kin and friends, but the amount was never paid back.

“One of the major defaulters is Umesh Garg who availed Rs 3.5 crore loan, but failed to return the amount. We have come to make a peaceful appeal to him to return the money,” claimed a protesting member of the society.

The members said Garg should consider paying back money in installments to provide relief to the needy members.

The protesters claimed that elderly members were suffering from exigencies like cancer and eye

ailments requiring immediate surgery.

Due to the lack money they were unable to get proper treatment, they said, adding that some of them have to repair their houses or marry off children from the money saved for their old age. All such members are suffering now, the protesters added.

The future of 134 members of the society was uncertain. A sum of barely Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh was left with the society and they were unable to provide money to the members for their day-to-day needs, the members lamented.

A fortnight ago, Ram Lal, an elderly member, died waiting his money and many others could face a similar fate, they added. They stated that the money had not been returned despite lodging an FIR in July. The ailing elderly were forced to protest in the sweltering heat of Parwanoo.

The embezzlement came to light during an audit conducted into the society accounts last year. Following the findings, the managing committee was dissolved and a new committee was constituted through elections. An administrator was appointed to overlook the affairs of the society.