Attacks On Bankers Continue: Concerns Grow Over Yet Another Attack in Bank of Maharashtra

A Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) officer and a temporary employee were attacked in Nashik on 16 October 2024, marking the latest in a troubling series of assaults on bank staff in Maharashtra. The attack occurred after a scuffle broke out due to delays in linking Aadhaar cards with bank accounts, a service that has led to increased footfall and frustration in many branches. A video footage capturing the attack went viral on social media sparking further outrage. 

FIR Lodged After the Incident

Following the incident, the Bank of Maharashtra lodged an FIR with local police. The attack highlights the growing concerns of bank employees across the state, who have been increasingly facing threats and violence from customers frustrated by service delays and long waiting periods. Bank officials cited staff shortages and heavy workloads as key reasons for customer dissatisfaction, which can sometimes lead to hostile interactions.

(A social media campaign highlighting the need for a safer work environment for bankers.)

UFBU Condemns the Attack

Devidas Tuljapurkar, convenor of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in Maharashtra, condemned the incident, linking it to the ongoing staffing crisis in the banking sector. He stated, "Due to staff shortage and work overload, such customer inconveniences are caused. And raged customers threaten or attack bankers for the same. Such tendencies are unacceptable; bankers must have a safer work environment to perform their duties without bias."

Banking unions, including the UFBU, have been increasingly vocal about the issue, demanding better protection and working conditions for bank employees. They argue that the current environment places undue pressure on bank officers, which has been exacerbated by growing customer demands and insufficient staffing.

Protests and Demands for Action

In the wake of these incidents, bankers across Maharashtra have taken to social media to voice their concerns, calling for immediate action from the authorities. Many bank employees have highlighted the need for stronger security measures at branches and have renewed calls for the introduction of a "Bankers' Protection Act" to safeguard them from such violent incidents.

As an immediate measure, UFBU and banking unions are demanding the deployment of security guards at every branch to ensure the safety of bank employees. "It is essential that bankers feel secure while performing their duties," said Tuljapurkar, emphasising that no employee should have to work under the threat of physical harm.

The attack in Nashik is part of a broader trend of violence against bankers in Maharashtra, raising alarm within the financial sector. Another incident occurred in a Bank of Maharashtra Warod Budruk branch in Jalna district where a customer, allegedly posing as a leader of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, assaulted the Branch Manager. In Beed district, UFBU submitted a memorandum to the District Collector on 16 October after two weeks of inaction on a similar attack in Maharashtra Gramin Bank.  

While banking unions continue to press for better protection and working conditions, they have urged the state government and banking institutions to take immediate steps to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of bank employees.