Muzaffarnagar. The case involving alleged financial irregularities in savings accounts, fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts at the Budhana branch of Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank is continuing to widen. The initial information had pointed to alleged embezzlement of around ₹90 lakh, but after around 250 complaints were received in three days and the examination of accounts progressed, the alleged amount involved has risen to ₹5.15 crore. The bank has suspended four employees, including former branch manager Roopak Rana. A detailed investigation into the entire matter will now be conducted by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
Roopak Rana was posted as the branch manager at the Budhana branch. After his transfer, Vibhav Kumar took charge as the new branch manager. On September 19, several customers visited the branch to get transactions entered in their passbooks and obtain details of their accounts. During this process, some account holders allegedly discovered that money had been withdrawn from their accounts without their knowledge. As the number of complaints increased, a five-member team from the regional office was sent to investigate. The team began examining accounts, FDRs, KCC records and other relevant banking documents.
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After irregularities were found during the preliminary investigation, suspension was recommended for former branch manager Roopak Rana, assistant manager Neha, cashier Gaurav and clerk Babu. Regional Manager Yusuf Khan confirmed the suspension of all four employees. The suspended employees have been attached to the district headquarters pending further action.
The initial complaints had put the alleged amount involved at around ₹90 lakh. However, as more account holders came forward, the scope of the case continued to expand. On September 23, the bank’s vigilance team briefed senior police officials about the progress of the investigation. A senior police official said information regarding alleged embezzlement of ₹5.15 crore had emerged so far. Given the substantial amount involved, preparations are underway to hand over the investigation to the Economic Offences Wing.
Allegations of signatures being taken on blank documents
The investigation has also brought allegations concerning documents submitted by customers under scrutiny. Some account holders have alleged that they were made to sign blank or unnecessary papers while obtaining loans against KCC accounts or FDRs, without being given complete information about the documents. Customers suspect that these papers may have subsequently been misused.
The alleged changing of mobile numbers registered with some savings accounts is also part of the investigation. It is alleged that after the registered mobile numbers were changed, money was withdrawn from the accounts, preventing transaction alerts from reaching the actual account holders. Complaints have also emerged alleging that loans were shown against certain FDRs without customers’ knowledge and that KCC accounts were allegedly manipulated.
Around 250 complaints received in three days
The number of complaints continued to rise. On September 23 alone, 13 more account holders submitted written complaints. According to the bank’s investigation team, around 250 complaints have been received in three days. However, some complaints relate to the same accounts, and the bank is now matching the complaints with the actual accounts and determining the amount involved in each case.
Senior Branch Manager Nitin Verma assured customers that those found to have suffered actual financial losses due to banking procedures would be reimbursed according to applicable rules after verification. A notice to this effect has also been displayed at the main entrance of the branch.
Irregularities allegedly came to light during passbook entry
Santosh Rani, a resident of Bada Bazar, alleged that she had visited the bank to get transactions entered in her account. According to her, the then branch manager kept her passbook and told her that the printer was not working. She later learned that lakhs of rupees had allegedly been withdrawn from her account.
Archit Kumar of Master Colony alleged that ₹11 lakh was withdrawn from his savings account. He further alleged that another ₹8 lakh was withdrawn after a loan was shown against his FDR. Muzakkir, a resident of Budhana, complained that ₹7 lakh had allegedly been withdrawn from his savings account. Another customer, Satish, also alleged that ₹5 lakh had been withdrawn from his account.
Bank denies foreign transaction angle
Senior Branch Manager Nitin Verma clarified that no transaction to a foreign country had been found from the account of former branch manager Roopak Rana. He said the rural bank does not have a facility to directly send or receive money from foreign countries. At present, the investigation is focused on alleged fraud involving customers’ accounts and irregularities in banking records.
Dispute began on September 19
The matter came to light on September 19 after customers visiting the branch following the change of branch manager began complaining that money was allegedly missing from their accounts. Around 25 complaints were initially received, following which the regional office team began an investigation.
On September 20, the five-member team intensified the inquiry, while assistance from the police and administration was sought to strengthen security at the branch. On September 21, a large number of customers gathered at the branch, creating a tense situation. More than 200 complaints were submitted, following which police security was increased. On September 22, customers continued their protest and a complaint was submitted at Budhana police station. At that stage, the alleged amount involved was around ₹90 lakh.
On September 23, banking operations returned to normal and customers were assured that their money would be returned after verification. During the investigation, the alleged amount first crossed ₹3 crore and subsequently reached ₹5.15 crore. The EOW investigation will now examine the complete transaction trail, establish the actual financial loss and determine responsibility for the alleged manipulation of customer accounts.
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.
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