Visakhapatnam: Death of a SBI deputy manager in Gara mandal of Srikakulam district following a suicide attempt by her has raised fears among the bank’s customers that the gold deposited by them as collateral for taking loans has gone missing.
As per information, reports had started circulating on social media about 15 days ago that the gold deposited as collateral has gone missing from the bank. The reports alleged that the Gara mandal SBI branch deputy manager Uriti Swapnapriya is responsible for the gold going missing.
Following this, Swapnapriya consumed poison on November 24 and admitted to a hospital. This further spread concerns about the collateral gold going missing. Customers started reaching the bank to inquire about their gold. Some even said they will settle the loans and take back their gold deposited as collateral.
On November 27, customers protested in front of the bank alleging that gold ornaments worth about Rs 3 crore are missing.
On Wednesday, November 29, deputy manager Swapnapriya died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
SBI Srikakulam Regional Manager Raju has intervened saying they are conducting an audit, which will be completed by December 8. He assured that the bank will return the gold deposited as collateral to its customers.
This has not allayed the anxiety of customers. Some of them are complaining that the bank is postponing the matter in the name of audit.
