Kolkata: Naihati police arrested a domestic worker and her husband on Sunday following allegations of embezzling nearly Rs 1 crore from the bank account of retired railway employee Biswanath Chakraborty. Additionally, they are accused of misappropriating jewellery belonging to Chakraborty’s sister, Sikha Chakraborty. The case has raised concerns about trust and security in domestic employment, prompting further investigation into the matter.
The family said Barnali had been looking after the siblings for around four years and had gained their trust. “As they rarely travelled due to their health conditions, their bank-related documents, including Biswanath’s ATM card and signed cheque book, were kept with Barnali,” a family member said. “The couple are being questioned, while investigators are examining the bank transactions, cheques and ATM usage records,” a senior officer of the Barrackpore Commissionerate said.
The family alleged that Barnali, along with her husband Shambhu, gradually withdrew money from Biswanath’s account. Barnali was also accused of taking several gold ornaments belonging to Sikha. A complaint was lodged with Naihati police.