Barak Bani Dainik
Complaint Filed at Katakhal Police Outpost Over Alleged Fraud of ₹90,500 from Several Anganwadi Workers
Barak Bani Digital Desk, Hailakandi, July 8, 2026: A serious controversy has emerged surrounding the Anganwadi services in Hailakandi district following allegations that money was collected from several Anganwadi workers in the name of depositing official government fees with the Social Welfare Department. According to the allegations, a total of ₹90,500 was collected from multiple workers and subsequently misappropriated. The allegations are primarily directed against Sharmila Dey, a helper at Anganwadi Centre No. 114, and her husband, Manoj Dey. In addition to the alleged financial fraud, the complainant has also accused them of intimidation, verbal abuse, issuing death threats, and forcibly obtaining her signature on a blank sheet of paper.
According to the complaint, on 7 October 2025, Manoj Dey approached Rakhi Das Majumder, the worker of Anganwadi Centre No. 104 at Bagmara Polarpur, claiming that certain official payments had to be deposited with the Hailakandi District Office of the Social Welfare Department. Acting on this representation, Rakhi allegedly handed over ₹22,500 to him. Similar amounts were reportedly collected from workers of three other Anganwadi centres, bringing the total amount collected to ₹90,500.
However, despite the passage of several months, none of the workers received any official receipt or proof that the money had been deposited. On 30 June 2026, Rakhi Das Majumder personally visited the district office of the Social Welfare Department and was reportedly informed that no payment had been deposited in her name or through Manoj Dey. This revelation raised serious concerns and, according to the complainant, the district office subsequently summoned Manoj Dey for clarification.
A few days later, on the morning of 3 July at around 10:00 a.m., Manoj Dey and Sharmila Dey allegedly visited Anganwadi Centre No. 104, where they verbally abused Rakhi Das Majumder using offensive language. The complaint further alleges that they threatened to assault and kill her and forced her to sign a blank sheet of paper. Rakhi claims that she was neither allowed to read the contents of the paper nor informed of its purpose, leaving her uncertain about how her signature might be used in the future. The incident was allegedly witnessed by Kalpana Rani Das, the helper of Anganwadi Centre No. 104, who, according to the complaint, was present throughout the episode.
When contacted regarding the incident, Lovely Dey, the worker of Anganwadi Centre No. 244, made similar allegations. She claimed that Manoj Dey collected money from several Anganwadi workers while using the name of a Social Welfare Department employee identified as Rajat Da. According to her, she herself paid ₹18,000 to Manoj Dey, who later allegedly demanded an additional ₹5,000.
Lovely Dey, a widow, stated that she is struggling to support her two daughters and that her modest income as an Anganwadi worker is her only source of livelihood. She said the alleged fraud has placed her under severe financial hardship. She further stated that after the incident, she, along with her brother-in-law Poppy Dey and several villagers, approached local MLA Dr. Milon Das. According to her, the MLA assured them that he would discuss the matter with the concerned departmental authorities and ensure that the allegations were properly examined.
Demand for Investigation Against Sharmila Dey, Helper of Anganwadi Centre No. 114, and Her Husband Manoj Dey Over Alleged Misappropriation of Funds
Meanwhile, Rakhi Das Majumder has filed a written complaint against Sharmila Dey and Manoj Dey at the Katakhal Police Outpost. She has also reportedly provided a copy of the complaint to members of the media.
The allegations have created widespread concern and anxiety among Anganwadi workers in the district. Questions are being raised as to how an individual could allegedly collect money from several workers in the name of a government department over an extended period without the knowledge of the authorities. Concerns have also been expressed about why no immediate inquiry was initiated despite the absence of official receipts or records for the money allegedly collected.
If the allegations are substantiated through an impartial investigation, the matter would extend beyond financial fraud and alleged misappropriation of funds. It could also represent a serious breach of public trust in government institutions. Furthermore, the allegation of forcing an individual to sign a blank sheet of paper raises significant legal concerns.
It should be noted that the above allegations are based solely on the statements and complaint submitted by the complainant and other individuals making similar claims. At the time of publication, the responses of the accused, Sharmila Dey and Manoj Dey, were not available. Their version of events will be published with due importance if and when it is received.
Residents of the district, Anganwadi workers, and other concerned stakeholders have called for a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation so that the truth can be established and, if the allegations are proven, appropriate legal action can be taken against those found responsible.
