A bank employee, who had ventured into a village to recover a loan, found himself subjected to an attack and hostage-taking by the loan defaulter and his supporters in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, as per the police's report on Tuesday.
The situation prompted the intervention of the police, leading to the release of the bank staff member from the hostage situation. In connection with this incident, authorities have detained five individuals, and relevant legal measures have been initiated, with a case filed at the local Colonelganj police station, the police stated.
In response to this event, the Bank Officers Association has issued a warning of potential protest actions if stringent and effective measures are not taken against the individuals responsible for the attack.
Sudhir Kumar Shukla, who serves as the Senior Manager of the Prathama UP Gramin Bank and is also the district president of the officers association, provided further details about the incident. According to him, a group of bank officials from the Balpur branch visited Sonhara village on Monday with the aim of recovering non-performing assets (NPA) from Ghanshyam, who held a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan.
Upon being asked to settle his outstanding dues, Ghanshyam began using abusive language toward the bank officials and initiated an argument. Subsequently, his family members and supporters launched an attack on the officials using sticks, bricks, and stones. This resulted in injuries to several bank officials.
The attackers proceeded to take the bank officers at the scene hostage.
Superintendent of Police Ankit Mittal has confirmed the detention of five suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation. Additionally, medical examinations are being conducted on the injured individuals, as stated by the SP.
In the meantime, Anant Tiwari, the Provincial General Secretary of the Prathama UP Gramin Bank Officers Association, has penned a letter to the chief minister, senior police officials, and bank authorities. In the letter, he has called for stringent action against the wrongdoers and the provision of adequate security for bank personnel.
The association has emphasized that without these measures, they may have no choice but to engage in protest activities.
