‘We Won’t Celebrate Diwali Until We Get Justice’: PNB Fraud Victims Continue Protest In Greater Noida

News india ‘We Won’t Celebrate Diwali Until We Get Justice’: PNB Fraud Victims Continue Protest In Greater Noida

Last Updated:November 03, 2026, 12:38 IST

Customers say they are determined to keep up the pressure until they receive concrete answers from the bank and the investigating authorities.

Victims of the alleged ₹10.24-crore fraud at Punjab National Bank’s Sector Pi branch in Greater Noida say November 3 marks the tenth day of their protest. Citing delays in the police investigation, they demand the recovery of their hard-earned savings and action against those responsible.

With Diwali approaching, several Punjab National Bank customers in Greater Noida say they have little reason to celebrate. Allegedly cheated of their life savings, the affected customers have vowed to continue their agitation until their money is recovered and those responsible are brought to justice.

Speaking to the protesters from PNB’s Sector Pi-1 branch, customers recounted how they discovered suspicious transactions in their accounts and the financial distress that followed.

Carrying bank statements, transaction records and other documents, the protesters said they had collected evidence to support their allegations of unauthorised withdrawals and siphoning of funds.

“This is not just about money. It is about our hard-earned savings and the trust we placed in a bank. We have been running from pillar to post, but we still do not have answers," one of the customers said.

Another protester said the uncertainty over the recovery of their money had taken a significant emotional and financial toll on affected families.

“We will not celebrate Diwali this year. What is there to celebrate when our own money is stuck and we are still waiting for justice?" a protesting customer said.

The protesters said they would not call off their agitation until their concerns were addressed and concrete steps were taken to recover their money.

Victims Allege Slow Investigation, Demand Arrests

The protesters alleged that despite several instances of suspected financial irregularities coming to light, no arrests had been made so far. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the police investigation and the response from bank officials.

“We have submitted documents and raised our concerns repeatedly. But the investigation is moving very slowly. We want to know who is responsible and when we will get our money back," another customer said.

The affected customers are demanding swift action against those involved, accountability from the bank and the recovery of the money allegedly siphoned off from their accounts.

PNB Assures Customers Of Refunds, Says 3 Claims Worth Rs 43 Lakh Settled

In a statement, Punjab National Bank (PNB) said it had taken serious cognisance of complaints regarding alleged financial irregularities involving certain customers’ fixed deposit and savings bank accounts at its Greater Noida branch.

The bank said the matter was being examined on priority and that it was extending full cooperation to the authorities concerned.

It added that necessary steps were being taken to verify the facts, assess the extent of the reported discrepancies and address the concerns of affected customers.

CBI Registers FIR In Alleged ₹10.24-Crore PNB Fraud

The protest comes amid a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged ₹10.24-crore fraud at PNB’s Sector Pi branch in Greater Noida. The agency’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Ghaziabad has registered an FIR in connection with the case.

A woman bank employee, identified as Deepanshi, has been accused of allegedly siphoning off money from customers’ accounts over a period of nearly three years.

According to the allegations detailed in the FIR, the accused allegedly used the CBS user IDs and passwords of six other bank officials to carry out unauthorised transactions. The money was subsequently transferred to accounts belonging to Ashutosh Pathak and several other individuals.

The bank’s preliminary investigation also indicated that transaction vouchers were allegedly destroyed to conceal the suspected irregularities.

The alleged fraud came to light on September 16, 2026, when a customer, Sangeeta, noticed three unauthorised transactions in her account while updating her passbook.

Investigators are also examining allegations that mobile transaction alerts were manipulated to prevent customers from receiving notifications about withdrawals.

Suspicious Fixed Deposits Also Under Scanner

Apart from the alleged unauthorised withdrawals, investigators are examining suspected irregularities involving fixed deposits (FDs).

Several fixed deposits were allegedly closed prematurely, with the proceeds transferred to accounts linked to the accused.

The bank’s complaint reportedly contains details of 49 suspicious fixed deposits, with transactions worth ₹70.23 crore listed separately. However, whether these transactions are connected to the alleged ₹10.24-crore fraud remains under investigation.

The bank’s preliminary assessment has pegged the alleged fraud at approximately ₹10.24 crore. The amount could change as account reconciliation and further scrutiny continue.

The FIR names Deepanshi, Ashutosh Pathak, other private individuals and unidentified public servants. The alleged offences have been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI is investigating the number of customers affected, the money trail and the possible involvement of other bank officials and account holders.

‘We Want Our Money Back’: Protesters Refuse To Give Up

For the affected customers, the investigation is only one part of their struggle. Their immediate concern remains the recovery of their savings and an explanation of how the alleged fraud was allowed to continue for so long.

As their protest continues, the customers say they are determined to keep up the pressure until they receive concrete answers from the bank and the investigating authorities.

For these families, Diwali is no longer about celebrations and festivities. It is about the hope of recovering the money they say was taken from them and finally getting justice.

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