Federal Investigation Agency has arrested two private bank officers in a cheque tampering case in Sindh. The case involves 13 cheques and an alleged financial loss of Rs. 494,000 to a bank customer.
The FIA Composite Circle Hyderabad registered the case following a complaint from Muhammad Hashim. The complainant alleged that cheques issued from his account were altered before they were encashed.
The incident reportedly took place in Matli, located in Badin district.
13 Cheques Allegedly Altered
According to the FIR, Hashim issued 13 cheques to labourers and other individuals. The original combined value of these cheques was Rs. 136,850.
However, investigators said a total of Rs. 630,850 was eventually withdrawn from Hashim’s bank account. This resulted in an alleged excess withdrawal of Rs. 494,000.
The complaint prompted authorities to investigate how the amounts on the cheques were allegedly changed.
FIA Records Statements From Cheque Holders
During the investigation, FIA officials recorded statements from Hashim and all recipients of the disputed cheques. The cheque holders told investigators that they received the cheques in their original form.
They also denied making any changes to the amounts or other details written on the cheques. Investigators then examined the original banking records linked to the transactions.
Branch manager Abdul Wahab Bilal also reviewed the disputed cheques and relevant records. According to the investigation, he confirmed that numerical figures on all 13 cheques had been materially altered.
Two Former Bank Officials Named
Investigators also examined how the disputed cheques were processed through the bank’s internal system.
According to the FIA, the cheques were entered into the Core Banking System by Asif Ali.
He was identified as a former teller and input operator at the private bank.
Investigators said three of the allegedly altered cheques were authorised by Mubashir Ali.
He was identified as the bank’s former operations manager.
Both officers have been arrested in connection with the case.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and guilt is determined by the relevant court.
Investigation Into Rs. 494,000 Loss
The case centres on the difference between the original value of the cheques and the amount ultimately withdrawn.
The original 13 cheques reportedly carried a combined value of Rs. 136,850.
Investigators allege that Rs. 630,850 was instead withdrawn through the transactions.
The difference amounts to Rs. 494,000, which authorities are treating as the customer’s alleged financial loss.
The FIA investigation has included statements from the complainant, cheque recipients and examination of original banking records.
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Further proceedings in the case will continue according to the applicable legal process.
