Recent years have seen a surge in cases of fraud involving bank transactions and financial scams. However, a recent incident in Chhattisgarh has emerged as one of the most brazen schemes to date. In a plot reminiscent of a movie, criminals meticulously orchestrated a massive banking fraud by creating a fake branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). This elaborate scheme included illegal appointments, phony training sessions, and detailed setups designed to defraud unemployed individuals and local villagers.

Fake SBI Branch in Chhapora

As reported by NDTV, Located about 250 kilometers from Raipur, the state capital, the fraudulent branch opened in the quiet village of Chhapora in the Sakti district. Six unsuspecting individuals were recruited under the impression that they had secured legitimate jobs at SBI. The branch, which had only been operational for ten days, boasted all the features of a real bank, including new furniture, professional documents, and fully functioning counters.

Villagers Lured into the Scam

Unaware of the scam, villagers began visiting the “bank” to open accounts and carry out transactions. The newly hired employees were equally excited, believing they had landed jobs with a reputable institution. The situation remained seemingly normal until police and SBI officials arrived for an interrogation on September 27, prompted by concerns from the manager of a nearby Dabra branch.

Discovery of the Fraud

The investigation revealed that the Chhapora branch was a complete fraud, and the appointments given to the employees were fake. Senior police official Rajesh Patel confirmed the discovery, stating, “The manager of the Dabra branch informed us of his suspicion regarding a fake bank operating in Chhapora. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the bank was fake, and several employees had been appointed with counterfeit documents.” So far, four individuals linked to the scam have been identified, including Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, who falsely claimed to be the branch manager.

Elaborate Recruitment Process

The fraudulent branch managed to attract employees by offering seemingly genuine offer letters for positions like managers, marketing officers, cashiers, and computer operators. To further entice recruits, the fraudsters conducted training sessions, creating the illusion of a legitimate operation. However, these jobs came at a steep cost, with employees paying between ₹2 lakh and ₹6 lakh to secure their positions.

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Promises of Lucrative Jobs

The mastermind behind the scheme solicited exorbitant fees from unemployed individuals, luring them with promises of lucrative government jobs. Ajay Kumar Agarwal, a local villager, became suspicious when a new SBI branch appeared overnight. He noticed that the nearest legitimate branch was in Dabra and could hardly believe that a new branch could open without any prior announcement. When he questioned the bank employees, their vague responses further fueled his suspicion, leading him to report his concerns to the Dabra branch manager.

Setting Up the Fake SBI Bank

The fake SBI branch was established in a rented space owned by Tosh Chandra, a local resident, for a monthly rent of ₹7,000. The fraudsters had gone to great lengths to furnish the branch and create authentic-looking signage, further enhancing its legitimacy. They primarily targeted unemployed individuals from various districts, including Korba, Balod, Kabirdham, and Sakti.

Victims’ Experiences

Victims like Jyoti Yadav, who believed she had secured a job, shared their experiences. “I submitted my documents, completed the biometrics, and was told my joining had been confirmed. I was promised a salary of ₹30,000.” Another victim, Sangeeta Kanwar, recounted her ordeal, stating, “I was initially asked for ₹5 lakh, but after negotiation, I settled for ₹2.5 lakh. I was promised a salary of ₹30,000 to ₹35,000.” Local shop owner Yogesh Sahu noted, “Many villagers were excited about the new branch and considered taking loans once it became operational.”

Consequences for Victims

The fake bank’s operation could have led to significant financial losses for the villagers. Ram Kumar Chandra, a local resident, remarked, “If the fake bank had continued, many people would have deposited money and could have been cheated out of crores.” Unfortunately, the unemployed victims now face not only financial setbacks but also legal troubles. Many had mortgaged jewelry or taken loans to pay for the fake job appointments, leaving them grappling with the aftermath of the scam.

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