AIBEA Sends Legal Notice to Retired Syndicate Bank Officer for Defamatory Remarks against C.H. Venkatachalam

The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has issued a legal notice to Mr. D.S. Murthy, a retired Syndicate Bank officer, for allegedly making defamatory and derogatory remarks against the association and its General Secretary, C.H. Venkatachalam.

According to the notice dated October 16, 2025, AIBEA stated that Mr. Murthy has been frequently posting and sharing messages on social media against the union and its leadership. The notice particularly refers to a recent video interview in which Mr. Murthy allegedly made serious allegations of financial misconduct and corruption against the General Secretary. AIBEA said that in the video, Mr. Murthy reportedly claimed that AIBEA’s General Secretary had benefited from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and made several other personal and professional accusations. AIBEA described these statements as false, defamatory, and criminal in nature.

Mr. Murthy reportedly accused Mr. Venkatachalam of corruption and financial misconduct, claiming that the pension settlement was backdated to benefit certain individuals. He further alleged that Mr. Venkatachalam had received “gratification” from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and had “ATM and computer contracts” arranged through them. The video also contained remarks calling AIBEA and other unions “stooges” and “pet dogs wagging their tails,” implying that they were acting under the influence of the IBA.

The letter, signed by C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of AIBEA, stated that the comments were not only harmful to the reputation of the association but also an attack on bank unions, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), and AIBEA itself.

AIBEA has asked Mr. Murthy to confirm whether he owns the video and the statements made in it within 14 days. The union warned that if he fails to respond, they will proceed with legal action for defamation. The notice was sent from AIBEA’s central office in Chennai and marks a significant escalation in tensions following the circulation of the video.