Multi-crore fraud: SBI clerk absconding after stealing over Rs 4 cr from accounts of customers in Faridkot
PTC News Desk: A multi-crore fraud has come to fore where a clerical staff member at the State Bank of India's Sadiq Branch in Faridkot district siphoned off crores of rupees from customer's accounts, fixed deposits and credit limit before fleeing.
The SBI clerk, Amit Dhingra who is currently absconding, has been booked on the charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust after nearly Rs 4 crore were found to have been withdrawn from the accounts of nearly 70 customers, said Faridkot DSP Tarlochan Singh.
The incident came to light on Wednesday when customers were taken a back after finding their bank accounts emptied and discovered unauthorised withdrawals from their accounts.
A flurry of emotions swept the scenes outside the bank, with elderly account holders and women in tears claiming their life savings vanished.
The investigation also revealed that certain details were manipulated leading to unauthorised withdrawals from the accounts, closure of premature fixed deposits and redirection of funds.
One victim, Paramjit Kaur, claimed her joint FD worth Rs 22 lakh had been fraudulently withdrawn. Another customer, Sandeep Singh, reported that four of his FDs, each worth Rs 4 lakh, were reduced to just Rs 50,000 each.
Sadiq former sarpanch Baljinder Singh Dhaliwal and other bank account holders have demanded a thorough investigation. Meanwhile bank officials have assured that the money of each and every customer will be returned in timely manner.
- With inputs from agencies
