Close on the heels of exposure of a financial scam at a private bank in Udaipur under the Gomati District in Tripura, the suspected mastermind, Abhijit Sarkar, the deputy manager of HDFC bank’s Udaipur branch was arrested from the Agartala railway station area on Friday, Police sources confirmed.
Authorities said that Sarkar would be produced before the court on Saturday for further legal proceedings. His arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into unauthorized withdrawals by the unscrupulous elements affecting multiple customers of the bank.
In connection with the case, a police constable posted at R.K. Pur police station in Udaipur has been relieved of duty and attached to the Udaipur police line amid suspicions of his involvement in the scam. Sources suggest that police are also probing the possible role of the constable’s wife, indicating a wider network of individuals who may have been complicit in the fraudulent activities.
Unauthorized Withdrawals
The scam came to light after multiple fixed deposit holders at HDFC Bank’s Udaipur branch reported unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts. Sources claimed that over Rs. 82 lakh were withdrawn from different accounts without valid permission or consent of concerned customers.
One of the victims, Niyati Sarkar, a resident of College Tilla in Udaipur, claimed she had fixed deposits worth Rs. 25,50,261 in the bank. However, when she visited the branch after the maturity period, she was informed that her funds had already been withdrawn without her knowledge. Distressed by the revelation, she promptly lodged a complaint at the R.K. Pur police station.
In a similar case, Suniti Dutta, another victim residing near Harinanda School in Udaipur, was shocked to know that Rs. 18 lakh from her fixed deposit had been withdrawn prematurely. She suspected the involvement of the deputy branch manager and subsequently filed a police complaint.
Expanding Investigation and Police Action
Following the initial complaints, four separate cases have been registered against HDFC Bank’s Udaipur branch. Superintendent of Police for Gomati district confirmed that authorities are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the case. He assured that strict action would be taken against all individuals found guilty of perpetrating or facilitating the fraudulent transactions.
SDPO Udaipur Nirman Das, who is leading the investigation, reaffirmed that appropriate measures would be implemented to ensure justice for the victims.
Meanwhile, sources reveal that apart from the deputy manager, the involvement of a police constable is also under scrutiny. The constable has already been suspended, and his salary has been withheld due to an extended period of unauthorized leave. Police believe his absence may be linked to attempts to evade inquiry into the scam.
Public Outcry and Assurance from Authorities
The revelations have triggered widespread concern among HDFC Bank’s customers in Udaipur, many of whom now fear for the security of their deposits. However, law enforcement officials have reassured the public that stringent action will be taken against the culprits and that affected customers will receive justice.
As investigations progress, further arrests and legal proceedings are expected. The daring fraudulent incident sparked panic among the bank customers who are worried about safety of the savings.