PNB Locker Scandal: Ex-Manager Booked for Rs 48 Lakh Gold Theft in Lucknow
A shocking case of bank locker theft has emerged from Lucknow, where a former Punjab National Bank manager and unidentified individuals have been booked for allegedly breaking open four lockers and misappropriating gold jewellery worth approximately Rs 48 lakh. The Thakurganj police registered the FIR under sections 316(5) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following court directions, after initially failing to act on the complaint.
Court Intervention Leads to FIR Registration
Thakurganj police station house officer Omveer Chauhan confirmed that the case was lodged on the court's orders. "The theft victim's statement is being recorded, and documents related to the lockers were sought. Preparations are underway to question the former bank manager," Chauhan stated. This development highlights the judicial system's role in ensuring accountability when police response is delayed.
Retired Employee's Ordeal with PNB Lockers
The complainant, Ram Pyare Srivastava, a retired employee and resident of Garhi Pir Khan area, detailed his distressing experience in the FIR. He had maintained four lockers at the PNB Thakurganj branch since October 20, 1987, storing gold ornaments valued at around Rs 48 lakh. Due to professional commitments, Srivastava could not visit the bank regularly for an extended period.
On June 21, 2024, when he finally visited the branch to retrieve his jewellery, he was stunned to learn from the branch manager that all the ornaments were missing. To add to his shock, the lockers had been reallocated to other individuals without his knowledge. Srivastava immediately submitted a written complaint to the bank, but the response he received was far from satisfactory.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Intimidation
Srivastava further alleged in the FIR that instead of taking concrete action, the former branch manager transferred Rs 55,000 to another of his bank accounts under the guise of locker charges, without his consent. When Srivastava objected to this unauthorized transaction, he was allegedly advised to "focus on ‘puja paath' (religious activities)" and was told that no action would be taken against bank officials.
The situation escalated when Srivastava continued to protest. He claimed that he was threatened with being sent to jail on charges of obstructing government work, a move that added to his distress and frustration. This alleged intimidation tactic underscores the power dynamics at play in such disputes.
Legal Battle and Police Inaction
Faced with inaction from the bank and what he perceived as harassment, Srivastava approached the Thakurganj police on July 7, 2025, to file a formal complaint. However, no case was registered initially, prompting him to seek judicial intervention. The court's subsequent directions led to the FIR being filed, bringing the matter into the legal spotlight.
This case raises serious questions about:
- The security and management of bank lockers
- The accountability of bank officials in handling customer complaints
- The responsiveness of law enforcement agencies to financial fraud allegations
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to scrutinize the bank's records and interview the former manager to uncover the truth behind this alleged multi-lakh rupee theft. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for banking regulations and customer trust in financial institutions.
