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In a shocking case of financial fraud, a fake State Bank of India (SBI) branch was discovered operating in the Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, duping locals and unemployed individuals of lakhs of rupees. The elaborate scam involved illegal appointments, counterfeit documents, and staged training sessions, all set up to deceive unsuspecting villagers and job seekers.
Located in the quiet village of Chhapora, approximately 250 kilometers from Raipur, the scam had all the makings of a legitimate bank operation. The branch, which had been running for just 10 days, was outfitted with new furniture, professional-looking papers, and functioning bank counters. However, the entire setup was a fraud aimed at swindling locals and offering fake job opportunities.
The Fake Branch’s Setup
The scammers went as far as to hire six individuals who believed they had secured prestigious jobs at India’s largest bank. Positions such as managers, cashiers, marketing officers, and computer operators were offered through convincing offer letters. The new recruits even received training and were promised salaries ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000. However, these jobs came at a steep price, with recruits paying between ₹2 lakh and ₹6 lakh to secure their positions.
For the local villagers, the bank appeared to be authentic. Many had started visiting the branch to open accounts and conduct transactions. However, suspicions arose when Ajay Kumar Agarwal, a local villager, noticed discrepancies. Agarwal had applied for an SBI kiosk in Chhapora and found it odd that a new branch had suddenly opened without any notice. His inquiries into the legitimacy of the branch, including the absence of a branch code on the signage, eventually led to the unraveling of the scam.
The Investigation
The scam came to light after the manager of the legitimate Dabra SBI branch, located nearby, raised concerns. On September 27, top police officials and SBI representatives visited the branch in Chhapora for an investigation. Senior police official Rajesh Patel confirmed that the bank was indeed fake and that several employees had been hired with counterfeit documents.
“We received a report from the manager of the Dabra branch regarding the suspicious activities of a fake SBI branch operating in Chhapora. Upon investigation, we confirmed that the branch was fraudulent, and a number of people had been appointed using fake credentials,” said Patel.
So far, police have identified four individuals involved in the scam, including Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, who posed as the manager of the fake branch. All of them appear to be connected, and investigations are ongoing.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fake branch was set up in a rented complex owned by a local villager named Tosh Chandra, with a monthly rent of ₹7,000. The fraudsters went to great lengths to make the branch look legitimate, arranging proper furniture and signage to deceive villagers.
The primary targets of the scam were unemployed individuals from various districts, including Korba, Balod, Kabirdham, and Sakti. Many of these victims were promised well-paying jobs in exchange for large sums of money. One of the victims, Jyoti Yadav, shared her experience, stating, “I submitted my documents, completed biometrics, and was told my joining was confirmed. I was promised a salary of ₹30,000.”
Another victim, Sangeeta Kanwar, revealed, “I was asked for ₹5 lakh, but I told them I couldn’t afford that. We eventually settled for ₹2.5 lakh, and I was promised a salary of ₹30,000 to ₹35,000.”
Community Impact
The discovery of the fake branch has left the local community shocked. “Many villagers were excited about the new branch and were even planning to apply for loans once it became fully operational,” said Yogesh Sahu, a local shop owner.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the scam, and efforts are underway to apprehend all those involved. The case serves as a stark reminder of the growing prevalence of financial scams and the need for vigilance in such matters.
Sources By Agencies
