A Bank of Baroda branch located inside the Shakuntala Mishra University campus on Mohan Road has come under intense scrutiny after allegations of large-scale fraud culminated in the death of a 60-year-old farmer, allegedly due to shock caused by the loss of his life savings. The victim, Mohammad Ameen, was reportedly duped of nearly ₹12 lakh through a fake fixed deposit and unauthorised withdrawals from his savings account.
Family members claim that Ameen suffered a heart attack late Monday night after learning that the money he had deposited with the bank had vanished. Doctors at a private hospital confirmed that he died of a cardiac arrest. The incident triggered widespread anger among customers, with dozens of alleged victims staging a protest outside the branch on Wednesday, accusing bank staff of fraud and cover-up.
Relatives said Ameen had been under severe mental stress since discovering that his fixed deposit was fake and the remaining funds were missing. “He stopped eating properly and remained withdrawn. He kept saying his lifetime earnings were gone,” a family member said.
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How the fraud surfaced
Ameen’s son Noor Mohammad said his father had sold a plot of land around two years ago and received ₹12 lakh, which he decided to deposit at the Bank of Baroda branch. At the branch, he was allegedly advised by bank mitra Shiva Rao and security guard Deepak to invest ₹5 lakh in a five-year fixed deposit and deposit the remaining ₹7 lakh in a savings account.
According to the family, documents related to the fixed deposit were handed over after being signed by the then branch manager. For nearly two years, the family had no reason to suspect any wrongdoing.
Trouble surfaced recently when reports of crores of rupees being siphoned off from the same branch began to emerge. Alarmed, Ameen visited the bank to verify his deposit. The family alleges that bank officials informed him that the fixed deposit documents were fake. A subsequent check of his savings account revealed that nearly ₹7 lakh had already been withdrawn.
When Ameen demanded answers and sought his money back, bank officials allegedly failed to provide any explanation, the family said.
Shock proves fatal
Relatives said the revelations shattered Ameen emotionally. “He kept running from pillar to post but no one helped him,” Noor Mohammad said. On Monday night, Ameen complained of chest pain and collapsed. He was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. He was buried on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Noor Mohammad addressed the media, accusing bank officials of fraud, negligence and mental harassment, and demanded criminal action against those responsible.
Victims allege probe handed to suspects
The farmer’s death sparked outrage among other customers who claim to have been defrauded by the same branch. More than 20 customers gathered outside the bank on Wednesday, raising slogans and demanding an independent investigation.
Protesters, including Gudiya, Janki and other account holders, alleged that officials whose role in the fraud is under suspicion have been tasked with conducting the internal inquiry. “If those involved are probing the case, how can there be a fair investigation?” one protester asked. The group demanded a special investigation team to probe the matter.
Families pushed into financial ruin
The alleged fraud has devastated multiple families. Sarojni, a resident of Salemapur Pataura, said ₹33.35 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from accounts held by her and her husband Janki. She said the money had been saved by selling land for her daughter’s marriage.
Due to financial distress, the couple failed to pay school fees, resulting in their children being temporarily removed from school. “Only after pleading and explaining our situation were they allowed to rejoin,” she said.
65 victims identified so far
Protesters claimed that at least 65 customers have so far been identified as victims of fraud at the branch. In most cases, customers allege that their fixed deposits turned out to be fake or that money vanished from their accounts without authorisation.
Para police station inspector said police had received information about Mohammad Ameen’s death. “A complaint is awaited. Once a written application is submitted, an investigation will be initiated and action taken as per law,” he said.
As pressure mounts, serious questions are being raised over bank oversight, accountability and the credibility of the ongoing probe. For grieving families, justice now hinges on whether the investigation moves beyond paperwork and holds those responsible accountable.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
