Police have arrested five individuals, including the personal assistant (PA) to the City Municipal Commissioner for allegedly withdrawing Rs 1.32 crore by forging the commissioner’s signature.

The accused include Mohammad Nayeemuddin, the commissioner’s PA, Wajid Imran, Mirza Baig, Nasir Ahmad (a contract-based accountant), and Mohammad Rehman (a project manager).

The police have seized Rs 30 lakh from the accused. The Brahmapur police apprehended the culprits, who initially sent a cheque to the bank and withdrew Rs 35,56,640. When they attempted to draw two more cheques, the bank staff became suspicious and informed the commissioner’s office. The corporation then filed an official complaint.

Currently, all five accused are in police custody, and a case has been registered at the Brahmapur Police Station.