Bank Manager Fatally Shot in Ghaziabad Branch Office by Security Guard
A tragic incident unfolded in Ghaziabad on Monday when a bank manager was shot dead inside his branch office by a security guard, allegedly in a fit of rage over the denial of leave. The victim, identified as Abhishek Sharma (34), a resident of Patna, succumbed to his injuries at a Delhi hospital, sending shockwaves through the local community and banking sector.
Details of the Ghaziabad Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred around 1:30 PM at the Punjab and Sind Bank branch in Balram Nagar, located under the jurisdiction of the Loni Border police station. According to police reports, the accused security guard, Ravindra Hooda (45), from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, arrived at the bank armed with a double-barrel gun, accompanied by an associate named Shishpal Dheemer. Hooda proceeded directly to the manager's cabin, where a heated argument erupted over leave permissions.
"Before other employees could react, Hooda shot Sharma in the chest and fled the scene," stated Surendra Nath Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural Zone), Ghaziabad. The entire incident was captured on the bank's CCTV cameras, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Arrest and Background of the Accused Security Guard
Approximately three hours after the murder, Hooda was apprehended while drinking outside a liquor store in the Loni Border area. Police have registered an FIR against him under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Hooda, who retired from the Indian Army in 2018, had been employed as a bank security guard for the past three months.
During interrogation, Hooda allegedly expressed his frustration with Sharma's behavior, claiming that the manager frequently scolded him for taking leave and deducted significant amounts from his salary. "He claimed the manager scolded him whenever he took leave and deducted Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 from his monthly salary of Rs 12,000," revealed a senior police officer.
Victim's Profile and Immediate Aftermath
Abhishek Sharma, originally from Lakhimpur under the Phulwarisharif police station area in Patna, had been serving as the manager at the Punjab and Sind Bank branch since August 2025. He was living in a rented house in Ghaziabad with his wife. Following the shooting, Sharma was rushed to GTB Hospital in Delhi but was declared dead during treatment. His family was promptly informed by the authorities.
Police investigations revealed that Hooda had not reported for duty on Monday morning, prompting Sharma to call and reprimand him, insisting he report to the branch immediately. This confrontation reportedly escalated the tension, leading to the fatal shooting. Bank staff members informed police that Hooda had a history of skipping duty without informing superiors and often reacted aggressively when questioned about his conduct.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The case has highlighted serious concerns regarding workplace safety and conflict management in banking institutions. With ten employees, including the manager, present in the bank at the time of the incident, questions are being raised about security protocols and employee grievance redressal mechanisms. Police are continuing their interrogation of Hooda and searching for his accomplice, Shishpal Dheemer, as part of further legal actions based on the complaint filed.
This shocking event underscores the need for enhanced security measures and better human resource practices to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring a safer working environment for all employees.
