Suspicion of large-scale fraud related to the disappearance of client funds has arisen at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Sector Pi-1, Greater Noida. According to reports, bank employees illegally terminated fixed deposits (FDs) of several depositors and transferred the resulting sums to other accounts. Complaints have been received from some clients regarding the loss of hundreds of thousands of rupees from their accounts.
After the incident became known, the bank's regional office suspended five employees, including the branch manager. Currently, more than a dozen individuals have filed complaints with the police. The investigation is being conducted by both the police and the bank's anti-corruption team.
Gautam, a resident of Birondi village in Greater Noida, stated that his father's account is held at the PNB branch in Sector Pi-1. When the family needed 50,000 rupees, he approached the bank to withdraw cash through the standard procedure, as he did not have a chequebook. However, he was informed that there were insufficient funds in the account.
According to Gautam, his father's account should have contained approximately 94 lakh rupees, but upon inquiring at the bank, it was found that only 16,000 rupees remained. He subsequently reported the matter to the police. Gautam mentioned that the bank has provided him with assurances so far.
Another depositor reported that his mother's account received about 129 lakh rupees as compensation for land acquisition for the Jewar airport. The family withdrew approximately 10-12 lakh rupees as needed. According to this client, about 118 lakh rupees should have remained in the account after the withdrawal, but now there is nothing left. He noted that the family needed the money, and it was during this period that they learned about the alleged irregularities at the bank from acquaintances. The client stated that the bank promised to return the funds within 10-15 days. Nevertheless, the family is preparing to file a police complaint.
Following the emergence of this issue, senior PNB officials visited the bank and gave assurances to the people. The bank stated that it had taken measures: five employees were suspended, and new personnel were assigned to the branch. An investigation is also underway into those responsible for negligence and alleged violations.
However, the bank has not yet released detailed official information on the entire case. Thus, it remains unclear what amount was affected among the depositors and to which accounts the funds were allegedly transferred.
A representative of the Noida Police Commissionerate stated that the bank management provided assurances to resolve the complaints of depositors in the Beta-2 police station area. The branch manager and several other employees have been suspended. The police have instructed the ACP Greater Noida to conduct an investigation and take necessary legal action.
According to the police, 16 individuals have filed complaints to date. An inquiry is currently underway based on these applications to determine how the funds were withdrawn or transferred from the depositors' accounts and who is responsible in this matter.
