Vijayawada, Oct 10
Account holders in three branches of ICICI Bank in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu and NTR districts have lost about Rs 28 crore.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating a case involving 72 account holders from the Chikaluripet and Narsaraopet branches in the Palnadu district, and the Vijayawada branch in the NTR district, who reportedly lost their fixed deposits and gold. CID Additional Superintendent of Police Adinarayana stated that the investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Vijayawada Zonal Officer of the bank. CID officials are currently questioning some bank employees to determine their involvement in the alleged diversion of funds from the accounts. The scam became apparent when account holders approached their respective bank branches after noticing that the interest on their fixed deposits had not been credited for the past two months. To their shock, bank officials informed them that their fixed deposit bonds were no longer valid. Victims subsequently lodged a complaint with the police, leading to the registration of a case that was transferred to the CID for further investigation. The ICICI Bank Zonal Officer in Vijayawada also sought CID intervention regarding the matter. The CID received complaints about one Naresh Chandrasekhar, who had served as a manager at the Chilkaluripet, Narsaraopet, and Vijayawada branches of ICICI Bank, alleging that he had diverted the fixed deposits. Some customers who had deposited cheques were also victims of this scheme. According to CID officials, there are three to four categories of customers who have been cheated, and they are in the process of recording their statements. The irregularities first came to light in July this year, prompting bank authorities to suspend Naresh Chandrasekhar and initiate a departmental inquiry against him. The CID is currently seeking reports from this inquiry and is hopeful of making progress in the case within 2-3 days. Chilkaluripet MLA P. Pulla Rao has assured support to the affected account holders and has requested bank officials to provide justice to the victims.