Customers of Tripura Gramin Bank of Hmunpui branch in Jampui Hill have raised serious allegations against the branch officials of the Bank. Holding the branch officials responsible for committing fraud and lacking transparency, the customers have urged the high-ups to intervene and take actions against the ‘errant’ branch officials.
On behalf of the disgruntled customers, the Youth Wing of the Mizo Convention (MC) took up the issue with the branch officials on Tuesday. However, the concerned Branch Manager did not meet the delegates, instead of one of the juniors who joined the branch on July last and was least accustomed to the activities that were going on in the branch.
The delegation alleged customers of the branch are subjected to ‘fraudulence’, ‘malpractices’ and various irregularities committed by the TGB Hmungpui branch officials. They also alleged, “It is a known fact that without the knowledge and consent of the Customer, the personal account of the Customer is fraudulently operated by the Bank Staff”.
It was further alleged, the branch officials are reluctant to update the passbook despite repeated pleas. Many of the customers reportedly do not have their account statements for months.
Some of the customers even alleged that loans were sanctioned in their names by forging documents like ration cards without their consent or knowledge.
Even though the allegations could not be verified independently, however, highly placed sources in the North district said that the concerned TGB branch manager of Hmungpui had a ‘bad track record’ in the past.
It is learnt, similar allegations of malpractices and fraudulence involving over Rs 15 lakh were raised during his stay at a branch under Dharmanagar area. Accordingly, he was sent to Hmungpui branch in a ‘punishment transfer’. Also, the Bank authority started a departmental inquiry into the allegations against him, highly placed sources said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the Youth wing of MC demanded Customer’s request for a Passbook updation be promptly done from now on and legal actions against the branch officials and staff involved in malpractices to restore faith and trust in the Tripura Gramin bank.