‘Chutiya, Makkar, Stupid’ SBI Employees file complaint against Regional Manager in Varanasi for using Abusive Language

A serious complaint has been lodged by branch heads, officers, and staff members of the State Bank of India (SBI) in the Varanasi region against their Regional Manager, Shri Saurabh Chandra, alleging misconduct, indiscipline, and the use of abusive language. The matter has been formally addressed to the SBI Chairman.

According to the complaint, ever since Saurabh Chandra assumed charge as Regional Manager of RBO III, Varanasi, employees claim the work environment has turned “toxic” and “unsafe.” Employees have accused him of humiliating staff, disrupting workflow, and creating undue pressure through erratic and unprofessional behaviour.

The complainants allege that the Regional Manager often calls meetings at irregular hours without prior notice, hampering branch operations and delaying customer service. They claim that when they attempt to prioritise customers, he reportedly responds by saying, “Bank aur customer gaye bhaad me, pahle meri meeting jaruri hai” (Forget the bank and customers, my meeting is more important).

Staff members further state that Chandra has issued threats to shut down branches and transfer staff at will, warning that no one could stop him. This is despite the fact that the Varanasi region has consistently ranked among the top performers in the last four years, earning recognition in prestigious SBI performance clubs such as Chairman’s Club, DMD Club, MD Club, CGM Club, GM Club, and DGM Club.

The letter also alleges the use of abusive terms such as “makkar” (dishonest), “stupid,” “idiot,” “nonsense,” “chutiya”, along with derogatory remarks like “suar ke bache” (pig’s child) and “tum sab ko to mai alag se dekhunga” (I will deal with you all separately). Additionally, informal and disrespectful phrases such as “daru peekar baithe ho kya” (are you sitting here drunk?) and “dudh peete bacche ho kya” (are you like milk-drinking children?) are alleged to have been directed at staff.

Employees say that such behaviour has caused significant mental stress among employees and negatively impacted productivity and discipline across branches. They argue that this conduct is in direct violation of the professional code expected from a person in a leadership role within SBI.

The staff have urged the SBI Chairman to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter and take appropriate disciplinary action to safeguard the work culture. They warn that failure to act may lead to further deterioration in morale and could tarnish the bank’s public image.