FARIDKOT- A financial fraud has shaken a State Bank of India branch in Sadiq town, Faridkot, as a bank clerk stands accused of embezzling nearly ₹6 Crores from over 130 customer accounts. The incident has left numerous account holders in despair, many having lost their life savings, while authorities launch a manhunt for the absconding culprit.
The Unraveling of a Deception
The alleged fraud, meticulously carried out by bank clerk Amit Dhingra, came to light on Wednesday when an increasing number of customers approached the branch, reporting suspicious activities in their accounts. Dhingra is accused of manipulating customer records, executing unauthorized withdrawals, prematurely closing fixed deposits, and altering nominee details. The sheer scale of the deception, impacting over 130 accounts and totaling approximately ₹6 Crores, has sent shockwaves through the community.
A Community’s Heartbreak
The impact of the alleged fraud has been profound, with heart-wrenching scenes unfolding outside the bank. Elderly customers and women were seen breaking down, grappling with the devastating realization that their entire life savings had vanished. Many of these individuals had entrusted their hard-earned money to the institution, only to find their trust shattered and their financial security imperiled by the alleged actions of a trusted employee.
Investigation Underway, Wife Arrested
Following a preliminary investigation, police have arrested Roopinder Kaur, Amit Dhingra’s wife, after discovering that a significant portion of the defrauded money was transferred to her bank account. DSP Tarlochan Singh confirmed her custody and ongoing investigation, while Amit Dhingra remains at large. Sources indicate that Dhingra had been systematically manipulating records over an extended period, seemingly without arousing suspicion until the recent surge in customer complaints.
Bank Pledges Restoration Amidst Manhunt
Branch officials at the State Bank of India have initiated a thorough review of all affected accounts, aiming to restore funds as per bank protocols. Sushant Arora, an SBI field officer who recently joined the branch, stated that he was made aware of the fraud by customer complaints and affirmed the bank’s commitment to a comprehensive review and fund restoration. An internal inquiry is currently underway within the bank, complementing the police’s extensive manhunt for the absconding Amit Dhingra.