Cheruthoni (Idukki): An Idukki native almost lost her hard-earned money under the rural employment guarantee scheme MGNREGA when her annual wage amounting to Rs 10,500 was credited to another person's account having the same Aadhaar number.

The matter came to light when Shiji Manoj, a native of Vazhathoppu, approached the Panchayat to inquire why the money credited by the local body had not reached her account yet. Shiji has an account in the Idukki branch of the Federal Bank.

Panchayat member Shijo Thadathil who checked the panchayat's bank account transactions found that the money transferred to Shiji’s account has, in fact, gone to an account holder of the Union Bank. When inquired with the Union Bank, she realized that the money has been credited to the account of Kanpur-native Sanjay Khanna.

According to the bank manager, both the account holders had the same Aadhaar number and this was the reason for the mix up. The manager immediately contacted the head office and the Kanpur branch and returned her money.

Union Bank Idukki branch manager said the matter needs to be investigated. There are chances of Aadhaar number duplication or some error while linking the 12-digit number.