The Special Judge for CBI cases, Court No. 01, Ahmedabad, has sentenced five individuals, including Becharbhai Ganeshbhai Zala, the former Branch Manager of the State Bank of Saurashtra, Naroda Road Branch, to five years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with a bank fraud case. The court also imposed a total fine of ₹7 lakh on the accused.
The convicted individuals include Zala and four private persons: Ramesh L. Shah, Praful L. Shah, Hemendra L. Shah, and Manoj C. Brahmbhatt.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the case on September 11, 2001, alleging that Zala, while serving as the Branch Manager, conspired with the private individuals to defraud the bank. The group is accused of abusing Zala’s position as a public servant to sanction housing loans worth ₹3.93 crore based on forged and false documents. The investigation revealed that Zala and the accused failed to verify the eligibility of borrowers before approving the loans.
Following a thorough investigation, the CBI filed nine separate chargesheets against the accused on various dates. Judgments for these chargesheets were delivered in two phases. On December 20, 2024, the court pronounced judgments in five chargesheets, sentencing 15 individuals to rigorous imprisonment ranging from three to five years and imposing fines totaling ₹15.35 lakh.
The final verdict for the remaining four chargesheets was delivered on January 9, 2025. With this, a total of 20 individuals have been convicted in the case, receiving sentences of rigorous imprisonment and cumulative fines amounting to ₹22.35 lakh across all nine chargesheets.
This case highlights the consequences of financial fraud and abuse of official positions, reinforcing the need for vigilance and accountability in banking operations.
