A major fraud case of Rs 4.85 crore is being investigated at the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Lilapur branch in Pratapgarh Uttar Pradesh. The investigation is being led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following a court order. CBI is expected to soon visit the branch for investigation.
Despite the government declaring a holiday for Mahanavami, the Leelapur SBI branch remained open, while other banks in the district were closed. This raised concerns among locals, especially since the CBI had recently started investigating the fraud. It’s believed that bank employees might be working on holidays to fix records in anticipation of a CBI visit.
Fraud Details
So far, 35 people have filed complaints with the bank and police regarding fraud involving unauthorized transfers from customers’ accounts to a contractor. As a result of the fraud, the branch manager, Jaynath Saroj, was suspended. Saroj is accused of transferring money from customers’ fixed deposit and savings accounts to a contractor in Gonda, who then withdrew the money and distributed it. This caused outrage among the affected customers, who gathered outside the bank to protest, demanding their money back.
Some of the victims include Rohit Shukla, who lost ₹45.21 lakh from his petrol pump account, and another family, who lost ₹1.30 crore. After these incidents came to light, Saroj was suspended, and a new manager was appointed. The police are investigating further and have asked the bank for a more detailed complaint.
Hunger Strike by Customers
Frustrated by the slow resolution, sixteen account holders began a hunger strike at the Lilapur branch, demanding the return of their money. The acting branch manager, Raj Mehta, explained the situation, but many customers remain unhappy with the delay. The hunger strike was aimed at pressuring bank authorities to act quickly and return their money. The situation at the Lilapur branch remains tense as the protest continues.
