CBI Registers FIR Over Alleged Multi-Crore Fraud At PNB Branch In Greater Noida

Greater Noida: A suspected financial fraud at Punjab National Bank's Aichhar branch in Sector Pi-1 has raised serious concerns over the safety of customers' deposits, particularly those of farmers who trusted the bank with their lifelong savings. The alleged irregularities reportedly involved unauthorised transfers from savings accounts and fixed deposits into other accounts over a period of nearly three years.

The initial complaints referred to approximately ₹35 crore allegedly missing from customer accounts. However, the bank's preliminary investigation identified irregularities amounting to ₹10.24 crore, while the latest assessment has reportedly put the value of suspicious transactions at around ₹17 crore.

How Was the Alleged Fraud Carried Out?

A female bank employee, Deepanshi, and her alleged associate, Ashutosh Pathak, have been accused of involvement in the suspected fraud. According to the investigation details cited in the complaint, the login credentials and passwords of six bank officials were allegedly misused to access customer accounts and carry out unauthorised transactions.

Investigators have also raised concerns about possible manipulation involving 49 fixed deposit accounts. Allegations include disabling transaction alerts to prevent customers from receiving messages about suspicious activity and destroying documents that could have provided evidence.

A Customer's Complaint Brought the Irregularities to Light

The matter reportedly came to attention when a woman customer visited the branch to update her passbook. After noticing suspicious transactions in her account, she raised a complaint, prompting further scrutiny of the branch's records.

The issue subsequently widened, with around 35 account holders reportedly approaching the bank with complaints. The growing number of grievances led to a closer examination of transactions and possible irregularities across multiple accounts.

CBI Begins Investigation, Bank Staff Suspended

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the alleged fraud. Several bank employees, including the branch manager, have reportedly been suspended.

The investigating agency is now examining the movement of funds, the suspected beneficiaries and the roles of those allegedly involved. The exact extent of the financial loss and responsibility of individual employees will become clearer as the investigation progresses.

The case has raised wider questions about internal banking controls and safeguards designed to protect customers' deposits. For farmers and other account holders who depend on banks to secure their savings, the investigation will be crucial in establishing how the alleged transactions took place and whether the money can be traced.