People take to streets over coop bank ‘scam’

Nahan, August 23

A massive protest was held in Nohrahdhar today over an alleged multi-crore scam at the local branch of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank. Hundreds of residents, traders and political activists accused the bank management of mismanaging public money. They demanded a swift action so that their lost money was recovered.

The protesters gathered in the local market in a large number and raised slogans. The demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction over the ongoing investigation and demanded the suspension of the bank’s Managing Director, besides seeking the resignation of the Chairman. As tensions rose, the protesters encircled bank officials, demanding explanation on the delay in arresting the main accused.

The case involving a Rs 4.02 crore fraud had come to light on August 3. Initially, the bank management conducted an internal investigation and filed a complaint at the Sangrah Police Station on August 10. However, the slow pace of investigation triggered public outrage, leading to the massive protest. During the rally, which was organised by the local trade union, participants from diverse political background joined forces. Narayan Singh, the BJP candidate from Renuka Ji Assembly constituency, also extended his support to the protesters.

The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Sangrah Subdivisional Magistrate Sunil Kayath, who was present at the scene, urging the Chief Minister to order a high-level probe into the scam.

The SDM said, “While the scale of the scam is alarming, tampering with the system is unacceptable. We will forward the memorandum to the Chief Minister promptly.”

Sirmaur district bank manager Priya Darshan Pandey said, “We are taking necessary actions to recover the funds. So far, seven employees have been suspended and 10 issued show-cause notices. The entire bank staff has also been replaced.” He added that the affected depositors will get their money back.

“We trusted the bank with our life’s savings and now we are left with nothing. How are we supposed to feed our families?” lamented Inderpal, an account holder.