Archive · 24 Sep 2026
EPFO Begins Criminal Proceedings Against Two Bengal Tea Estates
The EPFO says two tea gardens took provident-fund money from workers’ pay but did not send it to the fund.
The gardens are Karballa and Banarhat in Jalpaiguri.
Officials say Karballa failed to deposit about ₹1.86 crore.
They say Banarhat failed to deposit about ₹1.51 crore.
The EPFO reported the matter to the police.
The police cases were filed under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Both gardens belong to Andrew Yule & Company Limited.
The EPFO says it is taking stronger action against tea gardens that do not follow PF rules.
EPFO filed separate FIRs against Karballa and Banarhat tea estates in Jalpaiguri district.
Karballa allegedly deducted ₹1,85,98,844 in PF contributions but did not deposit the money.
Banarhat allegedly withheld ₹1,50,66,739 deducted from workers’ wages for PF contributions.
Both estates are owned by Andrew Yule & Company Limited, under the Union ministry of heavy industries.
EPFO said nine tea gardens faced FIRs in 2026 and more than ₹11 crore was recovered during the 2026-27 financial year.
- Who
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, officials, and the managements of Karballa and Banarhat tea estates.
- What
- The EPFO initiated criminal proceedings over alleged failures to deposit PF contributions deducted from workers’ wages.
- When
- The FIRs and inspections were conducted on Tuesday; the alleged deductions covered periods in 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- Karballa and Banarhat tea estates in the Banarhat block of Jalpaiguri.
- Why
- The EPFO alleges that the estates deducted PF contributions from workers’ wages but did not deposit the money with the organisation.
- Estates named
- Karballa and Banarhat tea estates
- Karballa alleged dues
- ₹1,85,98,844 deducted between April 2025 and August 2026
- Banarhat alleged dues
- ₹1,50,66,739 deducted between May 2025 and August 2026
- Police station
- Banarhat police station
- Legal provision
- Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- 2026 tea-garden FIRs
- Nine, according to the Jalpaiguri regional PF commissioner
- Recent recovery
- More than ₹11 crore recovered in the 2026-27 financial year so far