Noida: A major alleged banking fraud has come to light at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Sector Pi-1, Greater Noida, triggering widespread anger among farmers. Several farmers have alleged that bank employees withdrew money from their accounts and broke their fixed deposits (FDs) without their knowledge or consent.
According to the farmers, fixed deposits worth approximately ₹22 crore have allegedly gone missing. The allegations have caused panic and anger among account holders, many of whom had deposited their hard-earned savings in the bank to secure their financial future.
The matter has now escalated, with a large number of farmers gathering outside the bank and demanding the immediate return of their money and strict action against those responsible.
What Happened at Greater Noida’s PNB Bank?
The alleged fraud involves the Punjab National Bank branch located in Sector Pi-1, Greater Noida. Farmers have claimed that money deposited in their bank accounts was withdrawn and that their fixed deposits were also broken without their permission.
According to the allegations, several farmers had deposited their savings in the bank, while others had invested their money in fixed deposits for future financial requirements. They trusted the bank to keep their money secure.
However, farmers claim that they were shocked to discover that substantial amounts had allegedly been withdrawn from their accounts and that their FDs were no longer intact.
The total amount involved in the alleged missing fixed deposits is estimated at around ₹22 crore, according to the claims made by the farmers.
The farmers have raised questions about how such large-scale transactions could allegedly take place without their knowledge. They are demanding that the bank management explain where their money went, how the transactions were carried out and who authorised them.
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Farmers Protest Outside PNB Branch, Attempt to Lock Bank
The situation intensified on Monday when a large number of farmers reached the PNB branch in Sector Pi-1 to protest against the alleged financial irregularities.
Angry farmers raised slogans against the bank employees and management, demanding accountability and the return of their deposited money.
During the protest, some farmers also attempted to lock the bank in response to the alleged disappearance of their savings.
The farmers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the bank’s functioning and said they had deposited their hard-earned money with the expectation that it would remain safe.
One of the slogans raised during the demonstration was, “The money belongs to us, not to anyone else.”
Through this protest, farmers made it clear that they would not accept any delay in recovering their money. They also demanded strict action against the employees and other individuals found responsible for the alleged fraud.
Why Are Farmers Angry? Around ₹22 Crore in FDs Allegedly Missing
The biggest concern in the case is the alleged disappearance of fixed deposits worth approximately ₹22 crore.
For many farmers, these deposits represented years of savings and financial security. Some had kept their money in regular savings accounts, while others had invested in FDs to meet future family expenses and financial needs.
The farmers allege that their money was withdrawn and their fixed deposits were prematurely broken without their consent.
The allegations have raised several serious questions:
- Unauthorised withdrawals: Farmers allege that money was taken out of their bank accounts without their knowledge.
- Fixed deposits allegedly broken: Several farmers claim that their FDs were closed or broken without their permission.
- ₹22 crore at stake: The farmers claim that fixed deposits worth approximately ₹22 crore are missing.
- Lack of accountability: Farmers want the bank management to explain how the alleged transactions took place.
- Recovery of savings: Their primary demand is the safe return of their deposited money.
The farmers are now seeking a detailed investigation into the transactions and want the responsibility for the alleged financial irregularities to be fixed.
Police Intervene as Farmers Announce Mahapanchayat
Following the protest and the attempted bank closure, police officials reached the spot to control the situation and prevent further escalation.
Police officers spoke to the protesting farmers and tried to pacify them. They also approached the bank management and sought time to discuss the matter and find a possible resolution.
However, the farmers have made it clear that they are not satisfied with assurances alone. They have announced a mahapanchayat to raise the issue collectively and put pressure on the authorities and bank management to resolve the matter.
The farmers are demanding answers regarding the alleged missing money and want concrete action to ensure that their savings are returned.
Noida Police and CBI Register Cases in Alleged PNB Fraud
The alleged banking fraud has also drawn the attention of investigating agencies. According to the information provided in the case, both Noida Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have registered cases in connection with the alleged scam.
The involvement of the CBI, along with the local police, has added significance to the matter, as allegations involve substantial amounts of money and multiple bank account holders.
Farmers are now demanding a thorough investigation to establish how the alleged withdrawals and FD transactions took place, identify those responsible and recover the money.
The investigation is expected to be crucial in determining the actual extent of the alleged fraud and establishing accountability.
Farmers Demand Return of Money, Mahapanchayat Planned
The situation outside the Sector Pi-1 PNB branch remains tense, with farmers continuing to raise their concerns. The police are attempting to maintain law and order while coordinating with the bank management to address the allegations.
The farmers have reiterated that their main demand is the return of their hard-earned savings. They have also warned that they will continue to raise the issue through a mahapanchayat until satisfactory answers and action are provided.
The case has raised serious concerns among the affected account holders about the safety of their bank deposits and the alleged irregularities at the branch.
About Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) is one of India’s leading public sector banks. Established in 1894, it is headquartered in New Delhi and provides a wide range of banking and financial services, including savings accounts, fixed deposits, loans, digital banking and corporate banking. The bank operates an extensive network of branches and ATMs across India.
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