Koraput Farmers Claim Some PNB Employees Swindled Their Money, Lodge Police Complaint

Several farmers of Koraput district on Friday registered a complaint with the city police against two employees of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) for allegedly swindling money from their accounts.

On the basis of the complaint, the Koraput police have registered a case against the bank employees and launched an investigation to find facts.

According to reports, several farmers from Mahadeiput, Ektaguda and Taupadar villages had registered their names through Kishan Credit Cards and opened accounts in the city branch of the bank. They have been granted agriculture loans of Rs 30,000-60,000 by the Odisha government. However, when the farmers went to the bank to withdraw the money, they allegedly found that a considerable amount has been debited from the accounts without their knowledge.

The farmers suspect that few employees of the bank are involved in mopping up their money.

“I was granted a loan of Rs 49,000 in 2020. But recently I found that Rs 31,000 has been debited from my account. I came to know about it when I went to the bank to update my passbook,” alleged Basudev Bag, a farmer from Mahadeiput.

“We are seeking a thorough probe into the incident. The culprits should be punished under the provision in law,” said Bag.

Kamar Akhar, another farmer from Ektaguda also complained that Rs 7,000 has been debited from his account without his prior approval or knowledge.

“The money has been debited from my account without my knowledge. I am clueless about the unlawful transaction,” said Akhar.

Meanwhile, Koraput IIC, Dhiren Patnaik assured that the culprits will be brought to book soon.

“A police team went to the bank and questioned few employees over the allegations. Hopefully, we will be able to find out the culprits soon,” said Patnaik.

Meanwhile, the Branch Manager of PNB Sailendra Bajpayee said he has full confidence on the honesty and integrity of his employees.

“All our employees are honest and I have full confidence on them. Police investigation into the case will clear the air,” said Bajpayee.