Police in Lucknow have registered a first information report alleging a financial fraud of nearly ₹2 crore at a bank branch operating within a state university campus on Mohan Road, in the Para police station area. The case centres on accusations that a network of insiders—including a bank mitra and other officials posted at the branch since 2020—systematically siphoned money from customers’ accounts using forged vouchers, fabricated documents and fake fixed deposit (FD) receipts.
The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Ram Singh Yadav, a resident of Salempur Pataura village, who alleged that his savings account was manipulated without his knowledge. According to the complaint, ₹8.6 lakh was withdrawn from his account through forged bills and vouchers, while a fixed deposit certificate for ₹10 lakh issued to him was later found to be fake.
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Fake Deposits, Forged Signatures and Silent Withdrawals
The alleged fraud, police say, followed a pattern. Customers were handed FD receipts that appeared legitimate but were never actually recorded in the bank’s systems. In some cases, money was shown as deposited and withdrawn in the names of third parties without the account holders’ consent.
Mr. Yadav alleged that an additional ₹10 lakh was illegally deposited and withdrawn in the name of another individual using his account details. When customers later requested detailed statements, they discovered that large sums had been withdrawn over time using forged signatures.
Investigators say the victims were largely from economically weaker sections, raising concerns about exploitation of customers less likely to scrutinise statements or challenge bank officials. At least 25 victims are named in the FIR, with individual losses ranging from ₹10 lakh to over ₹18 lakh.
Allegations of Evidence Destruction
As irregularities began to surface, the complaint alleges, efforts were made to conceal the trail. One of the most serious accusations in the FIR is that an attempt was made to destroy evidence by deliberately setting fire to the bank branch.
Police are examining whether the fire was accidental or a deliberate act aimed at erasing records. Officers have begun scrutinising physical files, digital records and transaction logs to establish how long the alleged practices continued and how much money was ultimately diverted.
Victims also allege that mandatory SMS alerts for deposits and withdrawals were deliberately disabled or suppressed, allowing fraudulent transactions to continue undetected for years.
Police Action and Wider Questions
The case has been registered under sections dealing with cheating, criminal conspiracy, forgery, misappropriation and destruction of evidence. Vishwajeet Srivastava, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), said Para police had registered the FIR and that “strict legal action will be taken against all those found involved.”
Officials said efforts would also be made to trace and recover the defrauded money and return it to the victims. The investigation is being carried out by the local unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police, with further arrests possible as the probe widens.
Beyond the criminal case, the episode has renewed questions about oversight at small bank branches, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. For many of the affected customers, the alleged fraud represents not just a financial loss, but a breach of trust in institutions meant to safeguard their savings.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
