Recently, a major scandal has emerged in Nawada, specifically at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Rajauli, involving MetLife Insurance’s fixed deposits (FD). The situation has stirred up a lot of concern as reports indicate that crores of rupees belonging to customers have been embezzled through a fraudulent scheme. This scandal allegedly involves a MetLife agent, bank officers, and employees working together to deceive customers. The higher authorities at both the bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have taken notice of the situation, and six bank employees, including three former managers, have already been suspended as a result.
How the Scam Unfolded
The story began when a customer named Vishal raised his concerns with the bank and the RBI. He reported that he had deposited money in bank for FD but the FD account was not opened. Once the investigation began, it uncovered multiple similar cases, revealing that the total amount involved might reach into the crores.
According to reports, the PNB employee, in collaboration with the branch manager, had been taking money from approximately 40 to 50 people under the guise of creating fixed deposits with MetLife. While customers were given documents that appeared legitimate, many of these documents were later found to be fake. The employees would accept cheques from customers, promising to deposit them into FD account, but instead, they debited the funds directly to their accounts.
Customer Reactions
The revelation of this scam caused significant unrest at the Rajauli PNB branch. Customers became understandably upset and even filed complaints in nearby Bihar Sharif. Many of them went to the head office of PNB in Patna, where they voiced their frustrations. Bank officials attempted to calm the situation, assuring customers that action would be taken.
Personal Accounts of the Victims
One victim, Vishal, shared his experience. He explained that an agent named Vinay Krishna had taken ₹3 lakh from him for an FD. In return, Vishal received a slip that seemed to confirm the deposit, complete with the bank’s stamp. However, after a year, he was told that his FD could not be processed due to an age-related issue. This raised red flags for Vishal, leading him to investigate further. To his shock, he discovered that his FD was never created, and instead, the agent had redirected the funds to his own wife’s account.
Another victim, Sanjay Kumar, an advocate from Rajauli, recounted a similar experience. In March, he handed over a self-cheque for ₹5 lakh to the same agent for a MetLife deposit. The money was withdrawn from his account, but as of now, it has yet to be deposited with MetLife Insurance.
Lack of Clarity from Officials
When approached for comments on the investigation, the officials remained tight-lipped. The investigating officer declined to share any details, while Mukesh Chaturvedi, the PNB Bihar Sharif Circle officer, stated that the matter is still under investigation and that he was currently on leave, making it difficult to provide more information. Furthermore, Sanjeev Kumar Das, the Nawada LDM, also claimed to be unaware of the situation.
Conclusion
This scam has not only affected the victims financially but has also raised questions about the integrity of banking practices in the area. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address this serious matter. Customers are urged to stay vigilant and ensure that their financial transactions are secure. The community hopes for justice and accountability from those involved in this troubling scheme.
