More than Rs 10.7 lakh was withdrawn from the Andhra Bank (now merged with Union Bank) account of a woman, Monika Singh, of Raskilal Colony in Keonjhar town without cheque or her signature. 

But after running from pillar to post and complaint to the district Collector and the bank authorities, an inquiry into the matter was ordered. The inquiry by the bank has revealed that amounts of Rs 5,13,168 and Rs 5,56,986 were illegally withdrawn from the woman’s account no- 129910100050181 through unsigned loose withdrawal slips. The bank authorities in a written statement to the Lead District Manager have also admitted about the withdrawals  through unsigned slips but have defended the fraud citing that it was just a clerical mistake of the bank staffs.

In the meantime, Monika is in a fix as she had taken a housing loan of Rs 30 lakhs from the bank, which she has been unable to pay. But the bank has gone ahead to auction her plot which she mortgaged to the bank.  For which Monika and her husband Sanjeev are in trauma. Monika said, “I am shocked to know how Rs 10.7 lakh could be withdrawn from my account without my cheque, signature and knowledge.” However, several farmers have also complained against similar cheating in loans by the bank. Funds for agricultural implements have been allegedly sanctioned and disbursed without their knowledge during the tenure of Branch Manager Sunaram Nayak.

They have been served notice to repay the loans. But Field GM Ramakanta Pradhan and Regional Head, Baleswar, Shankar Hembram are trying to suppress the matter and mislead the inquiry into the loan scam, the victims alleged.