The farmers announced plans to hold a mahapanchayat outside the bank to intensify their protest. (Credits: Arun Tyagi)

Greater Noida farmers call mahapanchayat after Rs 22 crore vanish from PNB

Greater Noida farmers gathered outside a PNB branch and announced a mahapanchayat over alleged financial irregularities. The protest has intensified scrutiny as Noida Police and the CBI investigate the accusations.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Bank staff are accused of unauthorised withdrawals and breaking fixed deposits
  • Noida Police and CBI have registered cases into alleged irregularities
  • Protesters attempted to lock the branch before police officers intervened

Farmers in Greater Noida announced a mahapanchayat outside a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Sector Pi 1 over allegations of at least Rs 22 crore financial scam involving bank employees.

Several farmers began gathering outside the branch on Monday to protest against the reported irregularities and demand action.

According to the complaints, bank employees are accused of withdrawing crores of rupees from customers' accounts and breaking fixed deposits (FDs) without authorisation.

The matter has prompted an investigation, with the Noida Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering cases in connection with the scam.

The farmers also attempted to lock the bank branch as part of their protest. However, police officials reached the spot and intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.

Police officers sought time from the protesting farmers, saying they would speak to bank officials and attempt to resolve the matter. The officials also urged the farmers to allow the authorities time to look into their concerns.

Meanwhile, the farmers announced plans to hold a mahapanchayat outside the bank to intensify their protest and press for action against those responsible for the reported financial irregularities.

The protest comes amid growing concerns among account holders over the withdrawal of money from bank accounts and fixed deposits. Further details about the amount involved and the investigation are awaited.

- Ends