A large-scale financial fraud has surfaced at the Bank of Baroda branch located inside the Shakuntala Mishra University campus, with police confirming that more than ₹1.20 crore has been fraudulently withdrawn from over 60 customer accounts. Following the disclosure, angry customers—many of them women—stormed the branch on Saturday, pulled down the shutters, and staged a lock-in protest.
Based on multiple complaints, Para police station has registered an FIR against a bank mitra and several former branch managers and staff who were posted at the branch since 2020. The case includes charges of cheating, forgery, breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. The FIR has been lodged on the complaint of 24 account holders. Preliminary findings suggest the total fraud amount could exceed ₹1.50 crore.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Fake FDs allegedly used to siphon customer funds
According to victims, the accused prepared forged fixed deposit (FD) documents in customers’ names and used them to illegally withdraw money. One complainant, a dairy trader from Salempur Pataura, alleged that out of ₹18.60 lakh in his account, ₹10 lakh was shown as an FD without his knowledge, while ₹8.60 lakh was directly withdrawn.
Several customers claimed the bank mitra collected passbooks and account details under the pretext of updating records. Rural customers, women account holders, and senior citizens were allegedly targeted.
Student’s scholarship credited back after complaint to DGP
The case drew wider attention after a differently-abled D-Pharma student reported that ₹1.20 lakh of his scholarship funds had gone missing. The student approached the Director General of Police, following which the amount was credited back to his account on Saturday. The development has raised questions about internal controls and monitoring at the branch.
Wedding reception cancelled after savings disappear
The alleged fraud has had serious personal consequences for several victims. A vegetable vendor from Nigohan said he was forced to cancel his son’s wedding reception scheduled for February 27 after the savings meant for the event vanished from his bank account.
Widow alleges ₹1 lakh withdrawn without consent
A widow from Nigohan claimed that nearly ₹1 lakh was withdrawn from her account despite her having deposited ₹2 lakh. While bank records reportedly show two withdrawals, the customer has disputed the claim and demanded an independent investigation.
Protest at branch, police intervention
On Saturday morning, dozens of affected customers gathered at the university-campus branch demanding clarification. After the bank’s internal security channel was closed, protesters pulled down the shutters and locked the premises. Police reached the spot and dispersed the crowd after assuring a thorough probe.
Police ask customers to verify records
Police officials confirmed that FIRs have been registered on all written complaints received so far and that a forensic audit of transaction records is underway. All account holders linked to the branch have been urged to immediately verify passbooks, bank statements, and fixed deposit records, and report any discrepancies in writing.
Questions over internal oversight
The scale and duration of the alleged fraud have raised serious concerns about internal oversight and accountability within the branch. Investigators said forged documents and fake FDs have already been identified, and more victims are expected to come forward as the investigation progresses.
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.
