Farmers' union workers also joined the protest and staged a sit-in outside the branch. The situation escalated as account holders sought clarification from bank officials regarding their missing deposits. An elderly woman who visited the branch to inquire about her fixed deposit also shared her distress, saying she wanted an account of her money.
The woman said she had received Rs 1.32 crore as compensation during the airport construction process. After withdrawing some of the money, approximately Rs 1.18 crore remained deposited in her bank account.
She said that when she sought information about her account, bank officials failed to provide any details. They reportedly told her that irregularities had occurred at the level of a former official, but the money was not reflecting in her account.
The woman said her house was under construction, her children were living in rented accommodation, and her daughter was undergoing treatment. The alleged disappearance of her savings has left her facing difficulties.
According to account holders, some customers visited the bank on Monday but found that employees were reluctant to provide account details. As information about the alleged irregularities began spreading in the area, discussions also intensified on social media.
On Tuesday, a large number of account holders reached the branch. They found that the bank had new employees. During the process of checking accounts and speaking with the staff, they were informed that money was missing from their accounts. This led to protests and a commotion outside the branch.
The matter was reported to the police, and an investigation was initiated.
The alleged irregularities reportedly began coming to light on Saturday, when two customers complained that money was missing from their accounts. Following the complaints, all bank employees were reportedly removed overnight.
As the matter spread, more account holders came forward with complaints. A case has been registered based on complaints from more than 20 account holders, and an investigation is underway.
Account holders said bank employees had informed them that the former employees had been suspended. The security guard at the branch had also reportedly been removed.
The police and the bank management's anti-corruption wing are investigating the matter.
Beta Two Police Station in-charge Vinod Kumar said an investigation had been initiated based on complaints from more than 20 account holders.
On Tuesday, a woman account holder reportedly fell ill and was admitted to a hospital.
Several customers have alleged that their fixed deposits were withdrawn or transferred without their knowledge.
A victim from Kyampur said he had deposited Rs 15 lakh in a fixed deposit at the bank. He alleged that the FD amount was withdrawn and transferred to another person's account.
Another account holder, Sanjay, said his fixed deposit worth Rs 10 lakh had gone missing. He said he had checked his account approximately 10 to 15 days earlier, when the FD was still reflected in his account.
Another victim reported that approximately Rs 39 lakh had gone missing from his account.
Lead Bank Manager Vinod Kumar said he had not received any information about the matter from either the bank or the account holders so far.
He said those who had suffered losses due to the alleged embezzlement could submit their complaints to the district administration and the Lead Bank. He added that an investigation would be conducted and efforts would be made to recover the money.
Vinod Kumar also said that cases involving embezzlement of more than Rs 5 crore are investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Accordingly, the possibility of a CBI investigation into the Greater Noida bank case cannot be ruled out.
With more than 20 account holders reporting alleged financial irregularities, the investigation is expected to establish how the fixed deposits and account balances were affected and whether the missing funds can be recovered.
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