Spokesperson for the Sikkim BJP Passang Sherpa has pointed fingers at Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Chief Secretary Vijay Bhushan Pathak for their alleged involvement in a staggering Rs 69 crore scam at the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS).
During a press conference on Wednesday, Sherpa made damning accusations implicating the top officials in the SBS scandal, which recently came to light with revelations of unauthorised transactions.
"There is a need for need for an independent investigation. The bank has become a money-laundering hub for the government," Sherpa said.
The controversy erupted when SBS was recently embroiled in a Rs 69 crore scam, leading to the arrest of three officers. The scandal has deepened the public’s distrust of SBS, which has operated independently of the Reserve Bank of India since its establishment in 1969 by a proclamation from the Chogyal, the former king.
Furthermore, Sherpa highlighted the plight of MGNREGA employees and temporary workers, alleging their non-receipt of salaries amidst governmental silence on critical matters. He urged the administration to address these issues promptly or step aside.
“Today, many MGNREGA employees and other temporary workers are not receiving their salaries. The caretaker government, including the Chief Secretary, remains silent on these critical issues,” Sherpa lamented.
"If the current administration cannot address these matters, they should step aside," he added.
Of particular concern was the alleged appearance of Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, the SBS Managing Director, at a Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party meeting while still holding his bank position.
Sherpa called for intervention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to ensure accountability.
The scandal unfolded on May 22 when the Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj, Socio-Political Group in Sikkim, revealed unauthorised transactions totalling Rs 69 crore at SBS, prompting an outcry from customers and stakeholders.
Despite an internal audit flagging fraudulent activities in March 2024, the bank's delayed response in registering an FIR has raised questions of negligence.
Names of three SBS subordinates have surfaced as suspects, hinting at a broader criminal conspiracy within the bank. The Managing Director's attempt to downplay the situation as a "very small issue" has only fueled public concern.
This incident is not the first brush with misconduct for SBS, with past accusations surfacing in 2011.
Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj has called for a thorough investigation and legal action against all loan defaulters to restore transparency and trust.
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