Mysterious Death of Prathama UP Gramin Bank Official, Officer’s Federation Alleges Police Inaction

In a distressing incident, Shadanand Kumar, the Chairman of the Prathama Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank Officers Federation (PUPGBOF) and Assistant Manager at Bahoranpur Narauli Branch in Moradabad district, was tragically shot dead on June 29, 2024. As per a letter addressed to the District Magistrate of Sambhal by Suraj Tiwari, General Secretary of PUPGBOF, the killing took place while Kumar was returning home after concluding his bank duties for the day.

As per PUPGBOF General Secretary, there are significant concerns regarding the local police’s handling of the case, alleging that the police are diverting the incident as a case of suicide.

Police Inaction

Reacting to the incident, Suraj Tiwari, General Secretary, Prathama UP Bank Officer’s Federation told Kanal, “The local police is reportedly attempting to frame the incident as a suicide based solely on the testimony of Kumar’s wife, who mentioned work pressure. This approach has been criticised by the PUPGBOF, which insists that Kumar was a proactive and dedicated official, balancing his responsibilities towards both the trade union and the bank. His commitment to his duties earned him a position on the district administration’s flying squad team during recently concluded elections, highlighting his importance and reliability.”

The General Secretary also emphasised that the recovery of pistols and bullets from Kumar’s bag sparks speculation hinting at foul play. He said, “Kumar was a banker and not some goon who would carry pistols along with him and used it to shoot himself. It's foul play and being underplayed by the police.”

A similar accusation was made by the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) unit of PUPGB on the social media platform X. In their tweet, they alleged that the murder of the PUPGB officer is being taken lightly by the district administration.

Image: Tweet of AIBOC PUPGB on the Death of Bank Officer

The SHO of Kotwali Police Station in Chandausi told Kanal, "We are investigating the matter from all necessary angles, and the firearm recovered from the deceased has been sent for forensic testing; we are awaiting the results."

The officer refrained from commenting on PUPGBOF’s allegation of not lodging an FIR in the case.

Letter to the Sambhal District Magistrate

The letter dated July 1, 2024 highlights the shocking circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death, emphasising the failure of local police to promptly register a case. Kumar, who was only 35 years old and a father of two young daughters aged one and three, was gunned down by unidentified assailants. The brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the local banking community, instilling fear and anger among government servants, especially those in the banking sector.

Image: Letter of the PUPGBOF to District Magistrate of Sambhal on Bank Officer’s Death

In the letter, the PUPGBOF urges the District Magistrate to ensure that a proper investigation is conducted. The Federation demands that a case be registered and a comprehensive inquiry be launched to bring the perpetrators to justice. The plea is for a fair and just process that can restore faith in the law and order system among the public.

Plea for Justice

On July 2, a delegation from PUPGBOF met with the Commissioner of Moradabad, Mr. Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, and submitted a letter regarding the incident, requesting an immediate and fair investigation into the matter.

Image: PUPGBOF Delegation meeting the Commissioner of Moradabad notifying the death of Shadanand Kumar

The Federation has also communicated its concerns to other significant authorities, including the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the Director General of Police (UP), and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad). Copies of the letter have been sent to the Superintendent of Police, Sambhal and the General Secretaries of both the All India Regional Rural Bank Officers Federation (AIRRBOF) and the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC).

This tragic event and the subsequent police inaction have cast a shadow over the safety and well-being of bank employees, prompting calls for urgent reforms and better protection for those in public service. The banking community and the victim’s family await justice, hoping for swift and decisive action from the authorities.