Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank Employees Abducted, Assaulted in Basti, Unions Demand Swift Arrest of Culprits

According to union sources, both employees were abducted on their way home and kept hostage at an undisclosed location overnight. They were reportedly released the next day with visible injuries from what the union described as “inhuman and violent physical assault.” A formal complaint has since been filed with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Basti.

Unions Demand Swift Arrests, Cite Erosion of Staff Morale

AIRRBEA-affiliated Baroda UP Bank Officers Association (BUPBOA) has strongly condemned the assault on UPGB staff in Basti, calling it a direct threat to the safety and dignity of all rural bank employees. Speaking to Kanal, BUPBOA President Rajesh Khatri said:

“This incident is extremely shameful, deeply distressing, and raises serious concerns about the safety of bank employees and the growing atmosphere of insecurity. However, the police have not registered critical charges like kidnapping and attempt to murder, and have further diluted the case by reducing the number of accused from ten to just four. We demand swift and decisive administrative action to ensure the immediate arrest of all culprits.”

Image: Letter of AIRRBEA affiliated Baroda UP Bank Officers Association to SSP Basti demanding immediate action against assault on bankers  

Likewise, All India Regional Rural Bank Officers Federation (AIRRBOF), affiliated to AIBOC, has written to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, stating that the attack has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among bank personnel.

Image: Letter of AIRRBOF to UP Chief Minister demanding immediate action against assault on bankers  

"The criminals not only kidnapped the employees but also physically assaulted them, causing serious injuries. Such incidents severely impact staff morale and disrupt their ability to carry out their duties effectively. We urge your immediate intervention and demand the strictest possible action against the perpetrators."

Amid growing insecurity, both unions have emphasized that failure to take firm action against such criminal acts will erode employee confidence at the grassroots level and jeopardize the safe and effective delivery of banking services in vulnerable regions.

“Where Is the Zero-Tolerance Policing?”

The attack has triggered widespread anger among rural bank employees across the region. Several staff members took to social media to express frustration over the lack of accountability and response from the state machinery.

“एक बैंक कर्मी का अपहरण करके उसके साथ इतनी निर्दयता से मारपीट की गई है कहां गई सरकार की जीरो टॉलरेंस वाली पुलिस मुख्यमंत्री महोदय बैंक वाले भी इंसान हैं इनकी सुरक्षा करना भी आपकी ज़िम्मेदारी है दोषियों के ख़िलाफ़ कड़ी से कड़ी कार्यवाही होनी चाहिए” wrote one aggrieved employee on X.

Another post targeting top authorities read:

“वित्त मंत्री महोदया, बैंक कर्मियों की सुरक्षा से संबंधित इन पत्रों का अब कोई महत्व नहीं है। क्योंकि यूपी के बस्ती जिले में दिन दहाड़े बैंक कर्मियों का अपहरण करके उनको 24 घंटे तक बंधक बनाकर मारा पीटा गया और प्रशासन मौन है।

@myogiadityanath जी, आपका बुलडोजर कहां है? @Uppolice”

Image: X post on the assault on Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank official demanding action.

Ministry’s Safety Directive Ignored?

Notably, on June 4, 2025, the Ministry of Finance had issued a directive to all State Governments and Union Territories urging them to ensure the protection of bank staff following a rise in attacks, intimidation, and violence against bankers across India.

Despite this advisory, incidents like the Basti assault suggest a worrying breakdown in enforcement at the local administration level.

The incident once again highlights the growing safety concerns faced by bankers, which have become a serious issue within the banking fraternity—prompting urgent calls for strict legal action under applicable laws.