Depositors’ Trust Breached Through Forged Documents and Unauthorised Transfers
A woman officer at a private-sector bank branch in Kota, Rajasthan, has been accused of diverting funds amounting to ₹2.5 crore from customer accounts. Authorities have initiated an investigation into what appears to be a long-running internal fraud involving unauthorised transfers and misuse of personal financial data.
According to preliminary information, the accused allegedly accessed dormant and unsuspecting depositors’ accounts, altering transaction records and using forged documentation to facilitate transfers. The discrepancy was reportedly uncovered after multiple customers raised concerns over sudden deductions or non-reflecting balances in their fixed deposits.
The suspected fraudulent activity allegedly took place over several months. Internal bank auditors, upon routine review, identified red flags in financial transactions and escalated the matter to the compliance team, who then alerted the police and financial intelligence authorities.
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An FIR has been lodged under various sections related to criminal breach of trust, forgery, and misuse of official position. The accused officer, whose identity is currently withheld pending official proceedings, has been relieved of duties and is cooperating with the investigation.
Officials from the bank confirmed that affected customers are being contacted and remedial steps are underway, including freezing of related accounts and beginning restitution measures. The bank is also tightening internal protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Police authorities in Kota stated that the fraud represents a serious violation of depositor trust and called for stricter scrutiny in the handling of dormant accounts. Cyber forensic experts are also being involved to track the digital trails of the misappropriated funds.
The case has sparked concerns over the security of customer data and the need for stricter compliance enforcement in Indian banks.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.