Jhansi Woman 'Held Hostage' By Private Bank For 5 Hours Over Husband's Unpaid EMI

News18

30-07-2025

Last Updated:
The incident came to light after her husband, Ravindra Verma, dialed the police emergency number 112, claiming his wife had been kept hostage inside a bank
In a case that has sparked outrage in Jhansi's Montha police station area, a woman was allegedly held against her will inside a private bank for five hours after failing to pay a loan installment. The woman, Pooja Verma, claimed she was forcibly detained by bank staff after her husband failed to deposit the due amount for a group loan.
The incident came to light after her husband, Ravindra Verma, dialed the police emergency number 112, claiming his wife had been kept hostage inside a branch of a private finance group located in Azad Nagar, Bamhrauli. According to his account, the bank's staff refused to let Pooja leave until the pending installment was cleared.
Police responded swiftly. A PRV team reached the spot, and the staff reportedly panicked and released the woman before officers entered the premises.
'My wife was locked inside the bank from 12 noon," Ravindra told police, 'They kept saying they won't let her go until I pay the dues." Ravindra said that he pleaded with them, explained his situation, but they did not listen. 'Finally, I had no option but to call the police," he added.
Pooja Verma later submitted a formal complaint at Kotwali Montha police station, recounting her ordeal. She said she had taken a personal loan of Rs 40,000, with monthly installments of Rs 2,120. Though she claims to have paid 11 installments, the bank only acknowledges 8. She accused two bank agents, Kaushal and Dharmendra, of misappropriating her money and not updating the payment records.
She further alleged that on Monday, July 28, Sanjay Yadav, a collection officer from the bank and a resident of Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, visited her home and pressured her to clear the balance. When she said she couldn't pay, both she and her husband were allegedly taken to the bank by force and made to sit there for hours.
The bank has, however, denied the allegations. Branch manager Anuj Kumar said the woman had not paid any installments for the past seven months, and had been asked to come to the bank. 'She was not held forcibly," Kumar said, 'She came with her husband and sat there on her own."
Police officials confirmed they have launched an investigation. 'We have received a written complaint from the woman," a senior officer said. The matter is being probed, and we are also verifying the conduct of the bank staff. If any wrongdoing is found, action will be taken, he added.
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