PNB's Greater Noida Fraud Deepens: CBI Steps In Amidst Multi-Crore Claims

The fraud saga at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Greater Noida is escalating, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now registering a First Information Report (FIR) into the alleged ₹10.24 crore scam. This comes even as customer complaints continue to peg the total financial irregularities at closer to ₹35 crore, highlighting a significant divergence in the estimated losses. PNB has, however, moved to settle some customer claims, disbursing ₹43 lakh so far, while assuring depositors that all genuine claims will be honored. The alleged modus operandi involved a bank employee, Deepanshi, who reportedly misused Login Credentials belonging to other staff, including the branch manager, to tamper with Fixed Deposits (FDs) and orchestrate Unauthorized Transactions. She, along with an alleged accomplice Ashutosh Pathak and others, is accused of routing funds from customer accounts over nearly three years before siphoning them off. The case gained traction after a customer discovered unapproved withdrawals, leading to widespread complaints from account holders, many of whom are farmers who lost their savings and even government compensation. With twelve PNB employees, including the branch manager, facing Suspension and an ongoing internal probe, the focus now shifts to the CBI comprehensive investigation. The agency's involvement under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section dealing with Criminal Breach of Trust signals a rigorous pursuit of accountability. Customers are keenly watching for faster resolution of their claims as PNB continues its verification process, striving to restore confidence amidst the widening scrutiny.