The Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association (Ludhiana Zone), affiliated with the Federation of Bank of Baroda Officers’ Associations (FBOBOA) and AIBOC, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of its staff members involved in recovery duties following a recent violent incident.
On February 4, 2025, a team led by Mr. Ashok Kumar, Branch Manager of Pathankot Main Branch, visited the residence of a borrower, Mr. Harwinder Singh, to discuss a recovery case. The borrower was unavailable, and the team interacted with his father, leading to an escalation of verbal hostility. Sensing potential danger, the team decided to leave the premises. However, they were ambushed and attacked while returning to their branch.
The attackers, reportedly armed with metal rods and iron bars, inflicted severe injuries on Mr. Kanav Sharma, who sustained deep cuts on his hand, face, and jaw. He was immediately taken to the Government Civil Hospital, Pathankot, for medical attention. Other team members narrowly escaped physical harm but reported the theft of personal belongings, including a gold chain and wallet.
Association Demands Action and Safety Measures
The association has called on the bank management to address safety concerns and take immediate action to protect employees. Their demands include:
- Ensuring the safety and security of staff members engaged in recovery duties.
- Reviewing the role and effectiveness of recovery agencies to reduce direct staff involvement in high-risk cases.
- Providing legal and institutional support to affected staff members.
- Implementing preventive measures, such as security personnel, to avoid similar incidents.
- Filing an FIR against the attackers and pressuring local authorities for swift legal action.
The association emphasized that State AIBOC has already taken up the matter with police authorities and filed a memorandum with the SSP Pathankot, urging strong action against the culprits.
Association’s Stance
Zonal Secretary Kamaldeep Vinayak stated, “The well-being of our officers is paramount, and their safety should remain a top priority. We trust that the management will take this matter seriously and act swiftly to ensure a secure working environment for all employees.”
The Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association continues to seek urgent intervention from the management to safeguard employees performing their official duties.
