The Chronicles of Chatur Bahadur: Episode 5 - The Audit Threat
Episode 5: The Audit Threat
Just as the hydro project reached its peak, a letter arrived at Chatur Bahadur’s office: an unannounced government audit.
Chatur’s empire of hydro contracts, PPE entries, and miscellaneous expenses faced its first real test.
“Audits,” he muttered, “are just rivers waiting to flood… unless you know how to dam them.”
The Transaction Preparations
Chatur instructed his accountant to tidy up the ledgers and make every entry look genuine:
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Dr. PPE – Hydro Development Rights 1,200,000
Dr. Miscellaneous Expense – Facilitation 775,000
Dr. Receivable – Government Hydro Contract 1,000,000
Cr. Cash Paid 1,900,000
Cr. Revenue – Hydro Supply 1,000,000
Cr. Other Income – Political Favor 350,000
Each line had a legitimate-looking document attached. Every “creative” payment was disguised as part of project development or operational support.
The Cover Story
When auditors arrived, Chatur greeted them with charm and confidence.
“All hydro project accounts are up-to-date, properly classified, and fully documented,” he assured them.
Receipts, invoices, and fabricated studies painted a picture of diligent compliance. The audit seemed routine — nothing aroused suspicion.
The Aftermath
The auditors left impressed with the professionalism of the entries. Chatur exhaled slowly, cigar in hand. His hydro empire survived, for now.
“Numbers tell stories,” he whispered, “and I am the author.”