Nuapada: Branch manager of Utkal Grameen Bank’s Baragaon branch in Nuapada district was suspended on Monday for allegedly forcing an elderly woman to bring her 100-year-old mother to the branch for withdrawal of money from her Jandhan Yojana account.
Disciplinary action has also been ordered against the bank manager, Ajit Kumar Pradhan, for demanding physical presence of the centenarian account holder, Labhe Baghel.
According to sources, the woman’s daughter Punjimati Dei (60) dragged her on a cot up to the bank for withdrawal of Rs 1,500 as the bank asked for a thumb impression of the centenarian. Though the incident took place on June 9, the matter came to light after a video of the woman dragging her bedridden mother on the cot went viral.
Following which, the Odisha government on Sunday asked Utkal Grameen Bank chairman to take stern action after due inquiry. “Based on the request, the bank authorities immediately suspended Padhan, pending disciplinary action,” an official release said.
The State Bank of India, which oversees the affairs of Utkal Grameen Bank, has also issued a clarification on the matter. “While the Branch Manager did not have any intention of harassment, the unfortunate developments have resulted out of a communication gap resulting in a display of inhuman and incentive approach in the bank’s treatment of senior citizens. Utkal Grameen Bank regret for the whole incident and the matter is being looked into for necessary action,” the statement read.
