Canara Bank Officers’ Federation shares Tips for Safety of Bank Employees

Recently, two new cases of assault on Bank Employees have come to light. Bank of India staff in Farrukhabad and Union Bank Staff in Tamil Nadu were assaulted by Bank Customers while on visit for Loan Recovery.

These two incidents have again raised questions of security and safety of Bank employees.

Canara Bank Officers’ Federation has shared some tips to prevent cases of attacks in branches and how to prevent them.

1. Preventive Measures

• Maintain composure during verbal threats; avoid provocation.
• Move any confrontation discreetly to CCTV-monitored areas.
• Ensure CCTV systems are functional and actively recording at all times.

2. During an Assault

• Call for assistance from nearby staff or customers.
• Show solidarity—staff should gather around the victim to discourage further aggression.
• Trigger the security alarm using panic buttons to alert authorities.
• If safe, lock grill gates to prevent the attacker from fleeing.
• Armed guards may act only as a last resort, in accordance with the Right of Private Defense (Section 35, BNS 2023).

3. Post-Assault Protocol

• Administer first aid and arrange immediate medical care for the injured.
• Secure and preserve all evidence (e.g., weapons, CCTV footage) for investigation.
• Refrain from sharing footage or commenting on the incident publicly or on social media without official clearance.
• File an FIR under Section 132, BNS 2023 (assault on public servants) after proper authorization.

4. Reporting Procedure

• Notify the controlling office without delay.
• Engage the Security Officer and Legal Team for FIR registration and investigative support.

Relevant Legal Provisions (BNS 2023)

• Section 35: Grants the Right of Private Defense, allowing proportional use of force in life-threatening situations.
• Section 132: Criminalizes assaults on public servants—including bank staff—during official duty.