Noida/Alive News: Around ₹35 crore has allegedly gone missing from customers’ accounts at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Aichhar village, Greater Noida, leaving account holders shocked. Several customers have reported that their savings accounts and fixed deposits are showing zero balances despite having substantial amounts deposited.
Customers have alleged that money ranging from a few lakh rupees to more than ₹1 crore has disappeared from their accounts. Some account holders who had received compensation for land acquired for the Noida International Airport project have also reported discrepancies.
Following complaints from customers, police at Beta-2 police station registered an FIR. PNB’s regional office in Noida has suspended five employees, including the branch manager, and appointed new staff. Bank officials have reportedly assured customers that the money will be credited back to their accounts by Thursday.
The exact cause of the alleged irregularities remains unclear. Investigators are examining whether the incident involved employee negligence, unauthorised transfers or another form of financial fraud. The bank has not issued an official statement so far.
Customer Alleges ₹25 Lakh Was Transferred to Another Account
Vineet Bhati, a transporter from Aichhar village who runs Jai Shiv Transport, alleged that ₹25 lakh was transferred to an account that he said did not belong to him.
According to Bhati, he had approached bank employees regarding mutual fund investments. He said he signed a cheque and related documents on the branch manager’s instructions, but the money was allegedly transferred elsewhere. He subsequently filed a complaint with the police seeking an investigation and the return of his money.
Compensation Money and Fixed Deposits Affected
Several customers have alleged that substantial amounts have disappeared from accounts containing land compensation and fixed deposits.
Brijesh said his family had received around ₹1.29 crore in compensation after their land was acquired for the airport project. Although the family had withdrawn only ₹15 lakh, he alleged that more than ₹1 crore was now missing from the account.
An elderly customer, Dharamveer, claimed that his account, which held ₹17.5 lakh, was showing no balance. He also expressed concern about a fixed deposit of ₹2.25 lakh and money deposited in his grandmother’s account.
Santosh, another customer, alleged that around ₹1.18 crore was missing from her account. She said she and her sister had received compensation and had withdrawn only part of the money.
Other account holders have also reported alleged discrepancies involving fixed deposits worth several lakh rupees and accounts containing more than ₹1 crore.
Five Bank Employees Suspended, Probe Underway
Police said complaints had been received from multiple account holders, with reports indicating that at least 16 people had approached the authorities. The number of affected customers may change as the investigation progresses.
Five bank employees, including the branch manager, have been suspended. Police and an anti-corruption team are investigating the alleged financial irregularities and the possible involvement of bank staff.
Customers are seeking the restoration of their deposits and a clear explanation of the transactions. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations have yet to be established conclusively.
