In Bijnor, a significant protest erupted over a major scam involving approximately Rs 15 crores at the Shivala Kala branch of Punjab National Bank (PNB). Aggrieved consumers, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), staged a sit-in demonstration and surrounded the bank’s circle office to voice their grievances. Recently, a fraud has come to light in PNB branch in which cashier withdrew amount from farmer’s accounts.
What Happened?
On Friday, under the leadership of Block President Uttam Chauhan, the protest took place at the PNB circle office on Barrage Road. The issue centers around allegations of fraud committed by the bank’s cashier, Kamil. According to BKU’s State President, the bank cashier has not only deceived farmers but also damaged the bank’s reputation.
The protesters claimed that similar fraudulent activities had occurred in Chandak Bank, where Satyendra Kumar, in collusion with the bank manager, embezzled crores by creating fake agricultural cards. They argue that the same fraudulent scheme was used at the Shivala Kalan branch.
The Protesters’ Demands
The protestors are dissatisfied with the bank’s response so far. They allege that the bank’s investigation committee has only acknowledged cheating involving 60 farmers, while glossing over the broader extent of the fraud. They are upset that, despite the cashier’s arrest, neither the farmers’ money has been returned nor has the bank’s credibility been fully restored.
Bank’s Response
In response to the protest, SDM Manoj Kumar Singh, PNB Circle Head Ashok Yadav, and Lead Bank Officer Jitendra Gupta met with the farmers. They assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and the bank’s investigation committee would be called to address all concerns raised.
Future Actions
The protesters have warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their efforts by starting a “Dera Daalo Gherao Daalo” movement at the collectorate in September. District President Nitin Kumar Sirohi highlighted that this would be their next step if the consumers’ money is not refunded.
As the situation develops, the farmers and BKU members continue to demand justice and a full refund for the affected consumers.
In my opinion very shortly expert officials of vigilance Deptt. must be deputed for investigation and embezzled money must be refunded in farmers’ credit card accounts.
2. The circle Head must immediately suspend to the employees who involved in this financial crime and ruin the Bank’s image with change of their Head Quarter also.