Chhapora, Chhattisgarh– In a story that seems torn from the pages of a gripping thriller, a fake branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) was recently uncovered in the quiet village of Chhapora, located in the Sakti district, approximately 250 kilometers from Raipur. This counterfeit establishment, which opened its doors just ten days ago, was meticulously designed to mimic a legitimate bank, complete with sleek furniture, business documents, and operational bank counters.
Villagers, eager to open accounts and conduct transactions, flocked to the branch, believing they had found a reputable banking option in their community. The counterfeit operation not only deceived locals but also provided fake employment opportunities, with many individuals claiming jobs as managers and marketing officers. The ruse began to unravel when local resident Ajay Kumar Aggarwal grew suspicious of how quickly a branch of a major bank could materialize in a village that already had its official bank in Dabra.
His inquiry revealed inconsistencies, including a lack of proper signage and vague responses from bank employees. Aggarwal’s report to the Dabra branch manager led to an investigation that exposed the elaborate scam. Senior police officer Rajesh Patel stated, “The manager of the Dabra branch informed us about the suspicion of a fake bank operating in Chapora. After investigation, it was revealed that the bank was fake and many employees were appointed with forged documents.”
Four individuals, including Rekha Sahu and Mandir Das, have been identified as key players in this audacious scheme. The fraudulent bank was housed in a rental space, costing a mere ₹7,000 a month, where the criminals went to great lengths to create an authentic façade. They even demanded bribes ranging from ₹2 to ₹6 lakhs for job placements, promising salaries between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 to their unsuspecting recruits. Victims, such as Jyoti Yadav and Sangeeta Kanwar, shared their stories of being lured into the scam with the promise of stable employment.
As word spread about the new branch, villagers became increasingly excited about the prospect of loans and financial services. However, the reality of the situation has left many facing financial losses and potential legal troubles. “If the fake bank had continued, many people would have deposited money and been cheated out of crores,” lamented local villager Ram Kumar Chandra. With the investigation ongoing, authorities are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice and protect the community from further exploitation.
In a world where financial scams are becoming more commonplace, this shocking incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and informed about the legitimacy of banking institutions.