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TNGBOA and TNGBWU to Protest After Bank Employees Attacked in Namakkal
Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Officers’ Association and Tamilnadu Grama Bank Workers Union have condemned a violent attack on bank employees in Namakkal district. A loan defaulter allegedly assaulted staff who went to collect dues. Despite an FIR being filed, police inaction has angered unions, prompting a protest call at Salem Fort Grounds.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: 3 hours ago
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Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Officers’ Association (TNGBOA) and Tamilnadu Grama Bank Workers Union (TNGBWU) have expressed strong condemnation over an attack on employees of the D. Perumapalayam branch. The incident took place on October 24, 2025, when a loan defaulter from Pallipatti village allegedly assaulted staff members who had gone to recover dues. Even though an FIR (First Information Report) was registered by Veeranam Police, no further action has been taken, according to the unions.
In response to the continued police inaction, the unions — TNGBWU and TNGBOA with other allied organisations — have announced a protest demonstration on October 31, 2025, at Salem Fort Grounds, demanding immediate and firm action against the accused and stronger protection measures for bank employees.
Loan Defaulter Attacks Bank Employees
As per reports from union representatives, a customer named Matheswaran from Pallipatti, who had defaulted on a long-standing loan, violently attacked bank staff during a dues collection visit. The incident has caused deep concern across the banking sector, with employees demanding better safety protocols, especially for those handling loan recovery work.
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Death Threats at Police Station
Union leaders stated that when they visited the police station to file a complaint on behalf of the bank’s management, they were issued death threats by the same customer, Matheswaran. Although Veeranam Police registered an FIR, the unions have voiced frustration over the lack of follow-up action, calling it a serious lapse in ensuring employee safety.
Unions Demand Security and Awareness Measures
Both TNGBOA and TNGBWU emphasised that they had earlier submitted formal letters to management requesting deployment of adequate security personnel in all branches. They also demanded display of awareness notices informing customers that:
- Abusing or threatening bank employees while on duty is punishable under IPC Sections 356 and 357 with imprisonment ranging from two to seven years.
- Physically assaulting employees is punishable under IPC Section 119 with imprisonment up to seven years.
- Obstructing or preventing employees from performing duties is punishable under IPC Sections 124 and 125 with imprisonment from two to three years.
Union leaders pointed out that these measures have not yet been implemented, leaving employees vulnerable to such attacks.
Meeting with Bank Management
Following the incident, representatives from TNGBOA and TNGBWU met the General Manager and Assistant General Manager (Human Resource Management) to highlight the safety concerns of field and branch staff. The management assured them that appropriate steps would be taken to address the issue and improve security across all branches.
Rising Incidents of Violence Against Bank Employees
Union officials have observed that attacks on bank employees have been increasing, marking this as the fourth such incident in their bank and the third in the Namakkal region. They emphasised that prompt and firm police action is essential to ensure the safety of staff performing official duties.
Protest and Police Representation Planned
Condemning both the assault and the delay in police action, TNGBOA, TNGBWU, TNGBOA (AIBOC) and other allied unions have announced a protest demonstration on October 31,2025, at Salem Fort Grounds.
Union leaders also stated that they will meet the Salem District Police Commissioner to submit a formal complaint demanding swift and firm action against Pallipatti Matheswaran.
The D. Perumapalayam branch assault has drawn attention to the growing risks faced by banking professionals in field operations. As the unions prepare to stage their protest, they continue to demand stronger legal enforcement, employee protection, and accountability from both the management and the authorities.
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