An alleged financial scam at a private school in Kanchrapara in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district has come to light after the local police seized Rs 1.77 crore in unaccounted cash, along with computer systems and incriminating documents, from its premises.

The Bizpur police launched the investigation into Kanchrapara Harnett English Medium School following allegations of embezzlement, cheating, and misappropriation of institutional funds.

Senior police officials confirmed that two people—the school’s accountant and junior accountant—have been detained and are being questioned.

On Wednesday, Dasan Chandra, acting on behalf of Principal Bikash Chandra Pal, filed a complaint with the Bizpur police station, naming Kamal Adhikary, Goutam Ghosh Dastidar, school accountant Abhik Kumar Nag, and Sayan Pal.

Police sources said the school was reportedly losing money, raising concerns about its management. When Nag was asked to open the office vault in front of the complainant and other staff, a huge stash of cash was allegedly found.

Following the written complaint, the Bizpur police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), on charges including criminal breach of trust, criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, or agent, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, extortion, etc.

“The allegations are serious, and an investigation is on to trace the trail of misappropriated funds,” a police officer stated.

Meanwhile, authorities said that the allegations outlined in the FIR are currently being verified, and no formal statement has been issued yet by or against the four people named in the complaint.