Date:06/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/06/stories/2006050604990500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

In-charge bank manager duped of Rs. 12.5 lakhs

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: The in-charge Manager of Uco Bank branch here was cheated of Rs. 12.5 lakhs by two unidentified persons on Wednesday. This incident came to light on Thursday after a complaint was lodged with the police.

According to the police, in-charge Manager Jayaram received a phone call in the afternoon in the name of the `CMD' of the bank and the latter had told him to give Rs. 12.5 lakhs to a couple of `customs' officials waiting near the HPO as his (Chairman's) son-in-law was caught by the customs authorities.

The Chairman stated that the amount was urgently required for the release of his son-in-law to avoid the law. Accordingly, the in-charge Manager took the cash in a suitcase to the two `customs' officials and handed over the amount.

Mr. Jayaram later learnt that he was cheated after he made a call to the CMD. The police were questioning bank staff members.