Bank Fraud Leaves Farmer Dead of Shock; Angry Customers Protest Outside BOB Branch

A Bank of Baroda branch operating within the Shakuntala Mishra University campus on Mohan Road is facing serious allegations of financial misconduct after a 60-year-old farmer reportedly died of cardiac arrest following the discovery that his life savings had vanished. The incident has sparked public outrage, with dozens of customers accusing bank-linked staff of fraud and staging protests outside the branch.

The deceased, Mohammad Ameen, is alleged to have lost nearly ₹12 lakh due to a fake fixed deposit and unauthorised withdrawals from his savings account. Family members say the emotional trauma caused by the loss pushed him into severe distress, ultimately leading to his death.

Fraud Allegations Come to Light

According to Ameen’s son, Noor Mohammad, the family deposited the money around two years ago after selling a plot of land. At the Bank of Baroda branch, Ameen was allegedly guided by a bank mitra and a security guard to invest ₹5 lakh in a five-year fixed deposit, while the remaining ₹7 lakh was placed in a savings account.

The family claims they were issued fixed deposit documents bearing the signature of the then branch manager, giving them no reason to doubt the transaction. The matter came under suspicion only recently, when reports emerged of large-scale financial irregularities involving the same branch.

When Ameen approached the bank seeking verification, he was allegedly informed that the fixed deposit documents were fake. Further checks reportedly revealed that nearly ₹7 lakh had already been withdrawn from his savings account without authorisation.

Shock and Sudden Death

Relatives say the revelations had a devastating emotional impact on Ameen. Family members described him as withdrawn, anxious, and unable to eat properly after learning that his lifetime savings were gone.

Late Monday night, Ameen complained of chest pain and collapsed at home. He was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead due to cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, his family publicly accused bank officials of fraud, negligence, and mental harassment, demanding criminal action against those responsible.

Protesters Demand Independent Probe

Ameen’s death intensified anger among other customers who claim to have been defrauded by the same branch. More than 20 alleged victims gathered outside the bank, raising slogans and demanding an independent investigation.

Several protesters alleged that officials whose conduct is under scrutiny are involved in conducting the internal inquiry. They called for a special investigation team, arguing that an internal probe would lack credibility.

Families Face Financial Collapse

Multiple families claim the alleged fraud has pushed them into severe financial hardship. One complainant, Sarojni from Salemapur Pataura, alleged that ₹33.35 lakh was siphoned from accounts held by her and her husband. She said the money had been saved by selling land to fund their daughter’s marriage.

The financial strain reportedly forced the family to delay school fee payments, temporarily disrupting their children’s education.

Dozens of Victims Identified

Protesters claim that at least 65 customers have so far been identified as victims, with common allegations including fake fixed deposits and unauthorised withdrawals. Many say they are still awaiting clarity on how the alleged fraud occurred and who was responsible.

A senior officer at Para police station confirmed receiving information about Ameen’s death but said a formal complaint is required to initiate an investigation. “Once a written application is submitted, appropriate legal action will be taken,” the officer said.

As pressure mounts on banking authorities, the case has raised broader concerns about oversight, accountability, and the safety of customer deposits. For the affected families, justice now depends on whether the investigation leads to criminal accountability rather than internal explanations.