Canara Bank Staff held hostage by Villagers protesting against delay in work

Baghpat: In the quiet village of Maujizabad Nangal, a wave of frustration and anger led the local residents to take drastic action against their Canara Bank branch. For over a month and a half, villagers had been facing significant issues with the bank, such as delays in processing Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, land loans, payments for sugarcane, opening new accounts, and updating KYC information. Despite visiting the bank daily, their needs were not being addressed, leaving them increasingly frustrated.

The Protest Begins

On Thursday, the villagers decided they had had enough. They gathered at the bank early in the morning, determined to make their voices heard. In a bold move, they locked the bank from the outside, preventing employees from entering. Bank officer Sukant Kumar and cashier Navdeep Tomar, who were already inside, were taken out and held hostage by the protesting crowd. The villagers then sat down in front of the bank, effectively turning it into the center of their protest.

Police Arrive on the Scene

As news of the protest spread, local police were called to the scene. The officers tried to calm the situation and urged the villagers to end their protest, but the villagers were firm in their demands. They insisted that a senior bank official be brought to the site to address their concerns directly. Tensions rose as a heated exchange took place between the police and the villagers, but the villagers stood their ground.

LDM Steps In

After several hours of standoff, Lead District Manager (LDM) Ashwani Kumar arrived at the protest site. Understanding the severity of the situation, he listened carefully to the grievances of the villagers. After hearing their complaints, he assured them that their issues would be resolved promptly. This assurance finally led to the villagers ending their protest, but not without a warning: if the bank did not resolve their problems within a week, they would resume their protest.

What’s Next?

As the week progresses, all eyes will be on the Canara Bank branch in Maujizabad Nangal. The villagers have made it clear that they expect prompt action, and they are prepared to take further steps if their demands are not met. This incident highlights the importance of responsive customer service, especially in rural areas where banking services are crucial to the livelihood of the residents.

The outcome of this situation will not only affect the villagers of Maujizabad Nangal but could also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in other rural communities. The villagers have shown that they are ready to fight for their rights, and it is now up to the bank to deliver on its promises.