Funds missing, allege customers of Dohranala Gramin Bank, demand relief

Abhinav Vashisht

KULLU, November 10

As many as 24 people have reported embezzlement of over Rs 74 lakh from their accounts, in a fraud allegedly committed by the branch manager of Gramin Bank, Dohranala. The accused was arrested on November 2 and is in judicial custody. The duped customers are worried about their money and have demanded quick relief in the matter.

Residents of Barahar and Khadihar panchayats said as the winter had started, they needed money to stock ration for three to four months. But the amount deposited in their bank accounts was gone. They alleged that the manager had embezzled their money and lost it in online gambling.

The embezzled money included Dharam Singh’s Rs 8 lakh, Hukam Singh’s Rs 7 lakh, Maya Devi’s Rs 5 lakh, Rs 5 lakh from joint account of Devi Singh and Omavati and Hot Ram’s Rs 4 lakh. Besides, Gokal Chand, Kamla Devi, Geeta Devi, Vanshika, Toti Devi, Jhagad Singh, Anoop Ram and Chaine Ram had also reported about funds going missing from their bank accounts.

The duped customers demanded immediate relief from the bank as they had to buy goods for the winter season. The bank authorities assured that their amount was safe with the bank and it would be fully recovered.

Meanwhile, sources said other customers of the bank are baffled over the episode. There can be many more who do not even know how much money has been withdrawn from their accounts.