Odisha women SHGs receive Rs 9L loan notice 7 years after closing bank account; complaint lodged

Several women belonging to three SHGs (Self-Help Groups) from Gangijodi village under Tumusingha Police Station in Dhenkanal district filed a police complaint on Saturday alleging that they received a loan notice for Rs 9 lakh from their bank despite closing their accounts seven years ago.

According to the allegations, the three SHGs were formed in 2015, and the women had opened accounts in the local branch of the Bank of Baroda. These accounts were reportedly closed in 2017.

However, the women claimed that loans were issued against these accounts in 2019, and notices for the same were sent out to them recently by the bank which stated that a total loan of Rs 9 lakh (Rs 3 lakh against each account) has been issued.

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In their police complaint, the women questioned how loans could be granted after the accounts were closed at least seven years ago and demanded a probe into the matter.

“We had opened three accounts in 2015 but had closed them in 2017 owing to some personal issues, but a loan of Rs 3 lakh from each account was issued in 2019 for which the bank issued us a notice,” alleged Sanjubala, a woman member of one of the SHGs.

“Someone has taken a loan in our names without our notice or consent. We do not know how to repay them as we have no means,” added another complainant.

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Following their complaint at Tumusingha Police Station, authorities launched an investigation. However, no official response has been received from either the bank authorities or the police regarding the matter.