Banskandi SHGs Give 15-Day Ultimatum Over Alleged Rs. 25 Lakh Loan Scam

Members of several Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the SRLM/NRLM programme in Assam’s Banskandi Development Block have submitted an ultimatum to the Cachar District Commissioner, demanding action within 15 days over the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs. 25,01,071 in SHG loan funds.

The memorandum, submitted through the Block Development Officer (BDO), accuses SRLM Jeevika Sakhi, Fatima Begum Laskar, along with her husband Nizam Uddin Laskar, her father Lalu Miah, and others, of allegedly collecting loan money from multiple SHGs by promising higher future loans, investment returns and repayment of monthly bank instalments. The complainants further alleged that members were also threatened that their groups could be denied future loans or even be shut down if they did not cooperate.

According to the memorandum, the money was collected through different means, including hand notes, cheques, agreements and verbal assurances. The SHG members alleged that in some cases, signatures of office bearers were obtained in advance. They claim that repayments later stopped, after which members from different SHGs realised that many groups had allegedly faced similar experiences.

The complainants stated that they had approached the BDO office, BPM office, District SRLM office and other authorities on several occasions. They also referred to a meeting held on March 13, 2025, where they claimed Fatima Begum Laskar admitted to receiving the money and assured that it would be returned with interest. However, they alleged that most affected members have still not received their money.

The memorandum also states that FIRs were later lodged at Police Investigation Centre, Lakhipur Police Station and Silchar Sadar Police Station following the advice of officials. Complaints were also submitted to the District SRLM office, the Superintendent of Police and a state minister. The SHG members alleged that despite these complaints, no satisfactory administrative action, effective investigation or recovery of the funds has taken place.

The affected groups have demanded an impartial and time-bound inquiry, recovery of the alleged misappropriated funds, departmental and legal action against those found responsible, measures to prevent destruction of evidence or influence over witnesses during the investigation, and regular written updates on the progress of the case.

The memorandum warns that if visible and effective administrative action is not taken within 15 days, the affected SHG members will organise peaceful democratic protests, including sit-in demonstrations, rallies and submission of further memoranda through lawful means.

Speaking during the submission of the memorandum, one affected woman said, “Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he would make us Lakhpati Didi, but instead he made us Beggar Didi. We now endure the bitter words of our husbands and sons. What shall I do now?”

The allegations made in the memorandum are claims by the complainants. A response from the accused persons and the concerned authorities was not immediately available at the time of filing this report.