Sambalpur: Vimsar Doctor Falls Victim to Rs. 7.5 Lakh in Bank Fraud; Bank Employee Suspected of Involvement
Sambalpur: If you own a checkbook, it is time to be cautious. Negligence by bank authorities can cost you your hard-earned savings. A shocking incident in Sambalpur has raised serious concerns about bank security. Fraudsters managed to withdraw Rs. 7.5 lakh from the account of Dr. Rohit Kumar Govil, a doctor at Vimsar, Burla, by exploiting a self-check system.
How the Fraud Happened
Dr. Govil had an account at the Bank of Baroda’s Sambalpur branch. In July, he applied for a checkbook, but he could not collect it as he was unavailable. The checkbook was sent back to the main branch in Sambalpur. Shockingly, an unknown individual collected the checkbook using forged signatures.
On October 19, the fraudster attempted to withdraw Rs. 35,000 at the Ainthapali branch. However, the bank rejected the transaction as the signatures did not match. Undeterred, the individual went to the main branch on the same day and presented a check worth Rs. 7.5 lakh. This time, without verifying the signature and photo, the bank released the amount.
Doctor’s Concerns
Dr. Govil was alerted via a message from the bank. He immediately contacted the bank officials, who confirmed that the amount was withdrawn using a self-check. Dr. Govil asserted that he neither visited the bank nor withdrew the money.
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“Before handing over Rs. 7.5 lakh, the bank should have at least called or messaged me. How could they release such a large amount without verifying the signatures or my photo? This is unacceptable negligence,” he stated. He also filed a complaint at the Town Police Station.
Bank’s Response
The branch manager, when contacted, said, “I am not the right person to comment on this matter.” Bank officials assured Dr. Govil that the matter is under investigation and that his money would either be refunded or provided as a loan. The doctor responded, “Why should I take a loan at 12% interest for the bank’s fault? I demand immediate action.”
Police Investigation
The police have seized the disputed check and sent the signatures for verification. They are also waiting for the bank’s investigation report. In the meantime, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the fraudster who deposited the check.
This incident has raised serious questions about the role of bank employees and the lack of stringent verification processes. The investigation continues.
