Brutal Attack on Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Officer Sparks Outrage and Demands for Swift Action

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the banking community, an officer of Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank (RMGB) was brutally attacked while on duty at the Harsani Branch. The assault, which occurred on July 22, 2024, has drawn sharp condemnation and calls for immediate action from bank employees and unions. The attack was reported to the Girab Police Station the following day, on July 23, 2024, and was registered under FIR No. 0051.

Image: A Screengrab of the CCTV footage displaying the banker being assaulted 

The letter from the Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Karamchari and Officers Union, dated July 29, expressed concern to the District Collector of Barmer about the lack of action against the perpetrators, despite nearly a week having passed since the incident. The RMGB unions had send the copy of complaint to AIRRBEA and BEFI, expressing their deep anguish and demanding justice.

Image: AIRRBEA Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Karamchari and Officers Union letter on the attack incident to the District Collector of Barmer

The unions emphasised the critical role that banking employees play, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas. They highlighted the dedication of Gramin Bank personnel who have been pivotal in executing the government’s flagship financial inclusion program, Jan Dhan Yojana, and managing crises such as demonetization and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite their significant contributions, the lack of action on such a heinous crime, which obstructs government work and threatens the lives of bank employees, is unacceptable.

Police Inaction

The letter from the unions highlighted the lack of police action following the attack on an officer on July 22, 2024. Although an FIR was lodged the next day, no significant arrests or legal actions have been taken even after a week.

Station House Officer (SHO) of Girab Police Station, Devi Singh, told Kanal, “We are searching for the culprit and will take action once they are found. However, these incidents can also be resolved through mutual discussion and conversation.”

A member of the RMGB Officers Union criticised the police inaction, stating, “No action by the police despite an attack on a bank official is both negligent and deliberate. We demand immediate action by the police administration against the culprits. Failure to do so will compel all bank employees to boycott official work and take necessary actions under the Industrial Disputes Act.”

On platform X, “We Bankers” shared a video of the intruder assaulting the RMGB bank official. The tweet said, “It is extremely shameful. Drunk thugs come to Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank branches, assault bankers, and instead of arresting them, the police, in the presence of the thug’s relatives, threaten the victimised banker and pressure him to withdraw the FIR and settle the matter.”

Increasing Attacks on Bankers

The incident at RMGB is part of a troubling trend of assaults on bankers that have largely been overlooked. Last month, an 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.

As RMGB bankers await justice, these incidents underscore the vulnerability of bank employees amid rising violence and the urgent need for robust measures to ensure their safety.