Bank of Maharashtra Branch Manager Assault Sparks Outrage in Banking Community

A serious incident of violence against a bank official in Maharashtra has sent shockwaves through the banking community. On August 13, 2024, Mr. Mayur Borde, allegedly posing as a leader of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, assaulted the Branch Manager of the Bank of Maharashtra’s Warod Budruk Branch in Jalna district. The attack took place around 1:30 PM in the presence of a police officer, Mr. Deshpande, who witnessed the entire episode.

Concern Call of Bank Unions

The Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation (MSBEF) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in Maharashtra have expressed grave concerns over the incident. In letters addressed to the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra dated August 13, 2024, MSBEF highlighted the increasing insecurity faced by bank staff due to such violent acts. The MSBEF emphasised on the fear instilled in bank employees, which hampers their ability to serve customers effectively, especially with the possibility of such incidents recurring during upcoming elections. It demanded firm action against the culprit.

Image: Letter of MSBEF against the attack on Bank of Maharashtra Official

The UFBU, in its letter dated August 14, 2024, underscored the severity of the assault, describing it as a clear case of law and order defiance. The union also pointed out that this attack follows a similar incident in June 2024 at the SBI Wadvani Branch in Beed district, raising concerns about the escalating trend of violence against bank employees in rural Maharashtra. Both unions have called for immediate and strict action against the perpetrator, alongside enhanced security measures across bank branches to protect employees and public property.

Image: Letter of the UFBU against the attack on Bank of Maharashtra Official

Reacting to the incident, Devidas Tuljapurkar, the Convenor of UFBU and General Secretary of the MSBEF expressed concern on the worrisome trend of attacks on bankers. Devidas told Kanal, “As the state election is approaching, everyone is trying to muster the support of voters by undertaking such acts of violence. We have unequivocally demanded immediate action against the culprit.”

Devidas lamented the overall deteriorating situation of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and further added, “Banks are severely under-staffed accompanied with software issues, connectivity challenges and work pressure. So, overall the culminating effect of all the factors are leading to vilification of bankers in the eyes of customers who feel they are not served properly.”

However, the FIR has been lodged against the culprit who attacked the banker.

Bankers Condemning the Attack

The incident has sent a wave of concern among the bankers and many have expressed outrage slamming the act of violence and questioning the law and order of the state.

The Banker’s Voice tweeted, “A local goon of @swabhimani7227 openly assaults a branch manager of @mahabank in the presence of the @DGPMaharashtra , and we consider it a victory just because an FIR is lodged.”

Many handles outrightly condemned the act and sought protection from the state government and local authorities.    

Trend of Attack on Bankers

The incident at Bank of Maharashtra manger manhandling is part of a troubling trend of assaults on bankers that have largely been overlooked. Last month, a branch head of Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank was beaten up in his cabin. In a similar incident, the officer of Prathama UP Bank in Uttar Pradesh was found dead under mysterious circumstances, suggesting a possible murder. In another alarming incident, a State Bank of India (SBI) official was beaten up in his cabin during working hours in Beed, Maharashtra.

The alarming trend of assaults on bankers has prompted the unions to urge state officials to restore the confidence of the banking workforce, particularly those serving in rural and challenging environments. The letters stress the importance of safeguarding the lives and well-being of bank employees to ensure uninterrupted service to the needy population.