Utkal Grameen Bank Branch Manager Alleges Abuse by Regional Manager

In a shocking turn of events, a serious incident involving the alleged abusive behaviour of a senior official at Utkal Grameen Bank has come to light. The incident, which reportedly took place on June 6, 2024, at the Mahanadpur branch in the Berhampur region, has sparked significant concern among bank employees and prompted calls for immediate action.

According to a letter addressed to the Chairman of Utkal Grameen Bank, the Regional Manager (RM) of Berhampur, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Pradhan, physically assaulted the Branch Manager (BM), Mr. Sashikanta Roul. The altercation occurred during Mr. Pradhan’s visit to the Mahanadpur branch between 4.00 and 5.00 PM. The letter mentioned, “Despite the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to about 40 degrees Celsius, Mr. Pradhan allegedly held Mr. Roul by his neck and collar, using obscene and vulgar language. The reason given for this assault was Mr. Roul’s wearing of slippers. Mr. Pradhan also threatened to ruin Mr. Roul’s career. The entire episode was reportedly captured on the branch’s CCTV footage.”

Image: Anonymous Letter to Utkal Grameen Bank Chairman on Regional Manager abusing a Branch Manager 

Allegations of Obstruction of Justice

The anonymous letter further alleges that Mr. Pradhan, along with another senior official has indirectly threatened to prevent the disclosure of the CCTV footage, which could serve as crucial evidence in the case. This act is viewed as an attempt to obstruct justice and protect the misconduct of the regional manager.

Demands for Action

In light of the severity of the incident, the complainant has outlined several demands:

1. Immediate Suspension or Demotion of Mr. Pradhan: The letter demands the immediate suspension, demotion, or removal of Mr. Pradhan from his post, citing his unfit conduct for a managerial position.
2. Thorough Investigation: A thorough investigation is requested, including a review of the CCTV footage from the Mahanadpur branch to verify the claims.
3. Employee Survey: Conducting a confidential one-to-one survey among employees of Utkal Grameen Bank, particularly in the network II region, to understand the broader impact of Mr. Pradhan behaviour on staff morale and work environment.
4. CCTV Footage Preservation: Ensuring the preservation of the CCTV footage to prevent tampering, as this footage is crucial evidence.
5. Transparent Inquiry: Guaranteeing that the inquiry is transparent and that any staff providing information are protected from retaliation.

Call for a Transparent Inquiry

The letter emphasises the need for a transparent inquiry to gather the true sentiments and experiences of the employees regarding the behaviour of Mr. Pradhan. The complainants have a strong belief in the leadership and commitment of their respected chairman to maintaining a fair and respectful workplace.

Warning of Potential Revolt

The letter also warns that if appropriate action is not taken, the staff will escalate the matter to higher authorities, including the Prime Minister’s grievance cell, the Human Rights Commission, and relevant media outlets. They have also threatened to send the CCTV footage to these authorities if justice is not served. The complainants, choosing to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, stress that failure to address this issue could lead to a revolt among the employees.

In a similar incident, women employees in Utkal Grameen Bank also alleged harassment by one of the General Managers of the Bank. 

This incident highlights the pressing need for strict measures to ensure a respectful and safe working environment within Utkal Grameen Bank. The employees’ call for justice and transparency underscores the importance of addressing such serious allegations promptly and effectively. The banking community now awaits the response of the bank's management to this grave issue.