Bank of Maharashtra Fraud Case: Rs 27.24 Lakh Missing from Five Accounts in Morkha Branch

Betul, Madhya Pradesh: A suspected banking fraud involving around Rs 27.24 lakh has come to light at the Morkha branch of Bank of Maharashtra. According to preliminary information, money was allegedly transferred from five customers’ accounts to other accounts through online transactions after the mobile numbers linked to the accounts were reportedly changed without their knowledge. The bank has launched an investigation into the suspected fraud, and a team from its Chhindwara zonal office is examining digital records and suspicious transactions.

The matter came to light when Vivek Soni visited the branch to withdraw money from his grandfather Gendaram Soni’s account. During the process, he discovered that the money was missing. He raised the issue with branch manager Priyanshu Raj, who subsequently informed the zonal office. Following the complaint, an investigation team arrived at the Morkha branch to examine the transactions and determine how the money was transferred.

According to preliminary information, five account holders have been identified as having allegedly lost money. The reported amounts include Rs 13.50 lakh from Bhojraj Soni’s account, Rs 8.80 lakh from Gendaram Soni’s account, Rs 2.24 lakh from Imarti Bai Soni’s account, Rs 1.85 lakh from Indresh Raghuvanshi’s account and Rs 85,000 from Maina Bai Turia’s account. The total amount involved is approximately Rs 27.24 lakh.

The suspected fraud is believed to involve changes to the mobile numbers registered with the bank accounts, followed by online transfers to other accounts. Investigators are examining whether the mobile number changes were made without the account holders’ consent and how the transactions were authorised. The exact method used to carry out the alleged fraud has not yet been established.

The investigation team is also trying to determine whether more accounts were affected and whether the total amount involved is higher than the amount identified so far. Yogesh Malkhani, a member of the investigation team, said the team was examining the affected accounts, the total amount involved and the possible role of those responsible. Further action will be decided after the investigation is completed.

A minor’s name has also reportedly surfaced in connection with the case. The minor’s father, Shailendra Soni, has demanded a fair and impartial investigation, expressing concern that other people may be involved in the alleged fraud. The role of any individual will need to be established through the investigation.

As news of the suspected fraud spread, several local residents visited the bank to update their passbooks and obtain account statements. Customers were concerned about the safety of their deposits and wanted to check whether their accounts had been affected.

Branch manager Priyanshu Raj confirmed that the matter had been reported to the Chhindwara zonal office and that an investigation team was examining the case. The bank is reviewing the available records to establish how the transactions took place and identify those responsible.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations have not yet been conclusively established. The findings of the bank’s investigation are expected to clarify the extent of the suspected fraud and the circumstances under which the money was transferred.