Four PNB employees suspended for lending money at higher interest rates

Four employees of Punjab National Bank (PNB) were suspended in Dehra Dun, following a CBI probe that found they were lending bank money to local businessmen on much higher interest rate. The action followed a complaint that the bank employees, with connivance of top officials, had withdrawn Rs 1.9 crore from the Vyasnehari branch of PNB at Vikasnagar town.

CBI launched a probe and checked computer details of various accounts. When CBI tried to quiz Niranjan Kumar, the cashier of the bank, he allegedly ate some poisonous substance yesterday and was rushed to a local hospital. His condition is stable now. CBI has, so far, recovered nearly 70 per cent of the withdrawn amount.

 

After the preliminary inquiry found the involvement of some officials, the PNB initiated action proceedings. Bank Manager Ravindra Sanwal, Deputy Manager Chunu Lal, Head Cashier Niranjan Kumar and peon Rishi Kumar had been suspended, PNB sources said today. CBI has also picked up a businessman, Vinod Goyal, for questioning in the matter.