PRAYAGRAJ, May 22 -- The investigation into the suspected embezzlement of Rs.15.67 lakh from the savings account of Ashok Kumar Verma, former Joint Registrar of the Allahabad high court, has uncovered a major lapse. Nearly six months into the postal department's internal inquiry, officials have found suspicious transactions and tampering in 18 additional accounts at the high court sub post office branch, significantly widening the scope of the case. Postmaster general Rajiv Umrao confirmed that the departmental probe has identified unauthorised transactions in these accounts as well, while the investigation is still ongoing. He stated that once the inquiry concludes, the affected account holders will have their funds returned promptly. Meanwhile, Madhubala Srivastava, the widow of the late officer, has been repeatedly visiting the post office and meeting officials for the past six months in an effort to recover the deposited amount. Despite her efforts, the money has not been returned, nor has the inquiry reached completion. She has demanded the release of the principal amount and the accrued interest, along with the registration of a criminal case for embezzlement and fraud against those responsible. Ashok Kumar Verma passed away on June 25, 2018, leaving a savings account at the high court sub post office branch with a balance of Rs.15,67,669. No nominee had been registered for the account. After obtaining a succession certificate, his wife approached the branch on October 24, 2025, to withdraw the funds. Upon updating the passbook, she discovered the entire amount had already been withdrawn from the account without authorisation. The investigation revealed that on July 4, 2024, Rs.10 lakh was withdrawn in cash from the account through three separate transactions. Four days later, on July 8, an additional Rs.5.67 lakh was withdrawn via cheque, followed by a final withdrawal of Rs.15,500 on September 13, 2025. These transactions, carried out over an extended period, raised serious concerns about procedural lapses. Following the case's emergence, the department suspended the then branch in-charge, Manoj Kumar. The investigative team is currently questioning employees who were on duty at the time of the withdrawals. Sources indicate that similar patterns of suspicious transactions have been observed in the 18 other accounts now under scrutiny, suggesting a broader pattern of irregularities at the branch. Departmental officials stated that they will determine further action once the final inquiry report is submitted....