PNB Fraud Case 2026: ₹11.24 Crore Missing From Customer Accounts, Bank Promises Refunds

PNB Fraud Latest News, October 30, 2026: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has issued an important statement after several customers at its Greater Noida branch alleged that large amounts of money had disappeared from their savings accounts and fixed deposits (FDs) without their knowledge.

The bank has assured affected account holders that customers whose claims are verified will receive their money back.

According to a Live Hindustan report published on October 30, 2026, PNB has already settled complaints involving three customers and paid a combined amount of ₹43 lakh.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into allegations involving more than ₹11.24 crore across 21 customer accounts.

The incident has raised concerns about banking security, unauthorised transactions and the protection of customer deposits.

PNB Fraud Case: What Happened in Greater Noida?

The alleged financial irregularities came to light after several customers of a PNB branch in Greater Noida complained about missing funds.

Around two dozen account holders have reportedly raised concerns about money being withdrawn or transferred from their accounts without authorisation.

The affected financial products allegedly include savings accounts, fixed deposits and mutual fund investments.

Several customers have claimed that they did not receive transaction alerts or other notifications explaining the movement of funds.

Following the complaints, the bank initiated an investigation to determine how the alleged irregularities occurred and who may have been responsible.

Police have also registered a case and are examining the allegations.

PNB Promises Full Refunds for Verified Claims

Punjab National Bank has stated that customers whose complaints are found to be genuine will receive the full amount due to them.

The bank has reportedly settled three complaints so far, involving payments totalling ₹43 lakh.

Other complaints remain under examination.

PNB has also assured customers that it is cooperating with the investigating authorities.

However, the bank has not announced that every reported claim has been verified or that all disputed funds have already been recovered.

The final amount involved will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the verification of individual customer claims.

How Much Money Is Allegedly Missing?

According to the complaints cited in the report, 21 customers have alleged that more than ₹11.24 crore disappeared from their accounts.

Some local account holders have suggested that the total irregularities could potentially involve as much as ₹35 crore.

However, ₹35 crore is an allegation and not a confirmed amount established by the investigation.

The following figures summarise the reported developments:

These figures reflect the information reported on October 30, 2026, and may change as the investigation progresses.

One Customer Alleges ₹1.16 Crore Missing From FD

Among the complainants is Shrichand, a resident of Surajpur in Greater Noida.

He has alleged that approximately ₹1.16 crore disappeared from his fixed deposit.

Fixed deposits are generally considered a relatively stable savings option because they offer predetermined interest terms and defined maturity conditions.

However, the safety of an FD also depends on proper account controls and the prevention of unauthorised activity.

The allegation has therefore attracted attention because the disputed funds were reportedly held in a fixed deposit rather than an ordinary transaction account.

The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged withdrawal remain subject to investigation.

Farmer Claims ₹87 Lakh Missing From Savings Account

Another complainant, Bijendra Singh, has alleged that his savings account previously contained approximately ₹87 lakh to ₹88 lakh.

According to his complaint, the balance later showed only around ₹1 lakh.

Bijendra Singh is reportedly a farmer, and part of the money in his account included compensation received from an authority.

He has questioned how such a large amount could disappear without his knowledge.

The investigation will need to establish the transaction history and determine whether any unauthorised activity occurred.

Other Customers Report Losses of ₹39 Lakh and ₹9.5 Lakh

The report also mentions complaints from other account holders.

Hanif Khan has alleged that approximately ₹39 lakh disappeared from his account.

Another customer, Zakir, has claimed that around ₹9.5 lakh was withdrawn without his knowledge.

Zakir reportedly stated that he did not receive a transaction alert informing him about the withdrawal.

These allegations have increased concerns among affected customers, particularly those who depend on SMS notifications to monitor account activity.

However, the absence of an alert does not by itself establish how a transaction occurred.

Investigators will need to examine banking records and relevant technical evidence.

FIR Registered Under BNS Section 316(5)

Following complaints from Shrichand and other account holders, police reportedly registered an FIR against unidentified bank employees.

The case has been registered under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with criminal breach of trust involving certain categories of persons entrusted with property.

The FIR allows police to investigate the allegations and collect relevant evidence.

It does not establish the guilt of any particular employee.

Any criminal responsibility will need to be determined through the legal process.

PNB Employees Suspended as Investigation Continues

According to the report, several bank employees, including the branch manager, have been suspended in connection with the matter.

Suspension is an administrative measure and should not be treated as a final finding of criminal guilt.

Gautam Buddh Nagar Lead District Manager Ram Vinod Kumar reportedly told PTI that the complaints were being taken seriously and that the relevant authorities were investigating the matter.

PNB has also indicated that it will cooperate with the investigation and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible.

The bank has stated that fraud, financial misappropriation and employee misconduct will not be tolerated.

What Should PNB Customers Do if Money Is Missing?

Customers who notice an unexplained reduction in their account balance should report the matter immediately.

The following steps may help protect their interests:

1. Check your account statement: Review recent transactions and identify any unfamiliar entries.

2. Contact the bank immediately: Report the disputed transaction through an official customer service channel or branch.

3. Submit a written complaint: Include the account details, disputed amount and relevant transaction dates.

4. Keep evidence: Save account statements, FD receipts, complaint acknowledgements and correspondence.

5. Request a complaint reference number: This can help track the bank's response.

6. Report suspected criminal activity: Contact the police or appropriate cybercrime authorities if fraud is suspected.

7. Escalate unresolved complaints: Consider the RBI's complaint mechanism when applicable.

Customers should not share passwords, OTPs or banking PINs with anyone claiming to arrange a refund.

How to File a Banking Complaint With RBI

If a customer has already complained to the bank and the matter remains unresolved, they may be eligible to approach the Reserve Bank of India's complaint mechanism.

Under the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, customers can generally escalate eligible complaints if the bank has not provided a satisfactory response within 30 days, subject to the scheme's conditions.

Complaints can be submitted through the official RBI Complaint Management System.

RBI Complaint Management System

Official portal for eligible complaints against regulated financial institutions.

File a complaint with RBI

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

For suspected online financial fraud and related cybercrime complaints.

Report cybercrime online

Customers facing suspected cyber-enabled financial fraud can also contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.

Are Savings Accounts and Fixed Deposits Safe?

Banking deposits are subject to regulatory safeguards, internal controls and applicable deposit insurance arrangements.

In India, eligible bank deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, including principal and interest, subject to the applicable rules.

However, deposit insurance is primarily designed for specified situations involving an insured bank's inability to meet its obligations.

It should not be confused with the bank's responsibility to investigate and resolve allegations of unauthorised withdrawals.

Customers should regularly monitor account statements, update their registered mobile numbers and report suspicious transactions promptly.

PNB Fraud Case 2026: What Happens Next?

The investigation into the alleged irregularities at the Greater Noida branch is continuing.

Authorities are examining customer complaints and the circumstances surrounding the disputed transactions.

PNB has assured affected customers that verified claims will be settled and that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.

The bank has already reported payments totalling ₹43 lakh to three customers.

Other complainants are awaiting the outcome of the verification and investigation process.

The key takeaway: PNB has promised to return money to customers whose claims are verified in the Greater Noida account irregularities case. Complaints involving more than ₹11.24 crore have been reported, while three customers have already received a combined ₹43 lakh. The investigation remains ongoing, and the full extent of the alleged irregularities has not yet been established.

Source Credit:  Punjab National Bank and RBI Complaint Management System.