RAIPUR/SAKTI, 4 Oct 2023: In a startling case of fraud that has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh, a group of con artists managed to set up and operate a fake branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Chhapora village of Sakti district, approximately 250 km from the state capital Raipur. The audacious scam, which came to light on 27 September, involved fake job appointments, counterfeit training sessions, and even daily banking operations, duping both unemployed youth and local villagers of lakhs of rupees.
According to senior police official Rajesh Patel, the fraud was uncovered when the manager of the legitimate SBI branch in nearby Dabra raised an alarm. “Upon receiving information about a suspicious bank operating in Chhapora, we immediately launched an investigation. Our findings confirmed that the bank was indeed fake, with several employees appointed using forged documents,” Patel told reporters.
The fake branch, which had been operational for merely 10 days, was a mirror image of a genuine SBI outlet, complete with new furniture, official-looking paperwork, and fully functional counters. The fraudsters had gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure authenticity, even hiring six unsuspecting individuals for various positions within the bank.
One of the duped employees, Jyoti Yadav, shared her ordeal with our correspondent. “I was overjoyed when I received the appointment letter. I submitted all necessary documents, completed biometric verification, and was promised a monthly salary of ₹30,000,” she said, visibly distressed.
The scam’s modus operandi involved charging hefty “fees” from job seekers, ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹6 lakh, in exchange for lucrative positions at the bank. Sangeeta Kanwar, another victim, revealed, “They initially demanded ₹5 lakh, but I negotiated it down to ₹2.5 lakh. I was assured a salary of ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 per month.”
The fraudsters had rented a complex from a local resident, Tosh Chandra, paying a monthly rent of ₹7,000 to set up their elaborate facade. “Many villagers were excited about the new branch. Some had even planned to apply for loans once the bank became fully operational,” said Yogesh Sahu, a local shop owner.
The scam came to light thanks to the vigilance of Ajay Kumar Agarwal, a local villager who grew suspicious when he noticed the sudden appearance of an SBI branch in Chhapora. His inquiries and subsequent report to the Dabra branch manager led to the unraveling of this intricate fraud.
Police have identified four key individuals involved in the scam, including Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, who posed as the manager of the fake SBI branch. “The accused seem to be connected, and we are investigating the full extent of their operations,” added Patel.
This incident has not only resulted in financial losses for many but has also left the victims grappling with potential legal issues. Many had mortgaged jewelry or taken loans to pay for these fake appointments, compounding their misery.
As investigations continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in financial matters, especially in rural areas where banking awareness may be limited. The State Bank of India has urged customers to verify the authenticity of bank branches through their official website or customer care number before conducting any transactions.
