A shocking case of financial fraud has come to light from the SBI main branch at Kachahari, where a bank employee couple allegedly misled the family of a retired colleague and siphoned off nearly Rs 2 crore from pension, gratuity, and other benefits. The case was registered at Bada Gaon police station on the orders of the Police Commissioner after the retired employee’s daughter repeatedly approached authorities for redressal.
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Background of the Incident
The victim, a resident of Ardali Bazar, reported that her late father had served at the same branch where the accused couple was also posted. While the husband continues to work at the branch, his wife had been transferred to another branch. During the father’s tenure, the couple frequently visited the family home, gaining the trust of the family.
The retired employee passed away on September 17, 2020. Subsequently, the accused allegedly intimidated the mother and daughter, warning them that keeping funds in the original account could cause complications. They offered to withdraw the money on the family’s behalf and hand it over to themselves. The family complied, signing cheques and using the bank’s digital YONO platform to facilitate the transactions.
Misappropriation and Transaction Details
According to the complainant, the couple transferred funds into accounts of their associates, including their household help and driver, effectively misappropriating the money. When the family resisted further withdrawals, the accused allegedly promised plots of land in Lucknow as collateral, issuing two post-dated cheques of Rs 50 lakh each, which later bounced.
Over four months, the couple continued to exert pressure and threaten the family to secure additional funds. Despite repeated visits to the police station by the retired employee’s daughter, the case only gained traction following intervention from higher authorities and law enforcement.
Investigation and Legal Action
Police confirmed that the matter is being treated as a serious financial offense. FIRs have been registered against the accused couple, their driver, and household staff, and a thorough legal investigation is underway. Authorities emphasized that prompt arrests and legal proceedings are critical to ensuring accountability and recovery of misappropriated funds.
Departmental Message and Vigilance
Officials urged citizens to exercise caution in financial dealings, especially when pressure is applied by acquaintances or colleagues to withdraw or invest funds. Financial fraud by trusted individuals not only causes personal loss but also undermines the credibility of banking institutions.
Experts noted that incidents of this nature reflect evolving methods of deception, where perpetrators exploit trust to access large sums of money. Quick detection, vigilant monitoring, and timely intervention by law enforcement and banking authorities remain the most effective safeguards against such frauds.
Warning for the Future
The case underscores the importance of vigilance and verification in all banking transactions. Authorities stressed that fraud by bank employees or their associates will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Legal action, coupled with awareness and public reporting, is essential to prevent recurrence and maintain trust in the banking system.
Officials emphasized that this case serves as a stern warning, reinforcing that financial malpractices, even by those within banking institutions, will be met with strict action to safeguard the public interest.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
