In a development that briefly rattled trust in bank locker security, the State Bank of India (SBI) has officially denied allegations made by a Bengaluru woman who claimed her valuables went missing from a locker at the bank’s Dollars Colony branch. The controversy was swiftly put to rest after a police-led inspection found no breach and confirmed that the allegedly missing jewellery was, in fact, intact.
The Allegation That Made Headlines
The issue began when Bindu C.D., a 54-year-old homemaker, filed a complaint alleging that 145 grams of gold and diamond jewellery stored in her locker had mysteriously disappeared. She reported the matter to the Sadashivanagar police, prompting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 305(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with theft from secure places.
Bindu claimed she had approached SBI officials on multiple occasions, alleging that her concerns were dismissed. She even escalated the issue to SBI’s Chief Vigilance Officer before turning to the police on March 28, citing inaction and concern over the security of her locker.
What the Investigation Revealed
Responding to the complaint, the police conducted a mahazar (panchnama)—a formal inspection—in the presence of Bindu, SBI staff, and independent witnesses. During the inspection, Bindu opened her locker, and all the valuables she had reported missing were found inside.
SBI stated that the jewellery had been “inadvertently overlooked” by the customer. Some items were stored deep within the locker, possibly giving the impression that they were missing at a quick glance.
The entire process was videographed to maintain transparency and build public trust in the investigation. As part of the formal procedure, the locker’s contents were taken into temporary police custody, documented, and returned after verification.
SBI's Official Statement
In an official press release, SBI emphasized that no evidence of tampering, unauthorized access, or procedural lapses was found. The bank confirmed that locker access protocols were followed strictly and remained uncompromised at all times.
“All locker access protocols and security procedures at the Dollars Colony Branch were fully operational and uncompromised,” the bank asserted.
This reassurance is significant given the sensitive nature of locker services and the general public’s expectations regarding their security.
Lessons from the Incident
While the matter has been resolved in SBI’s favor, the incident brings to light several key takeaways:
Double-check locker contents thoroughly: Customers should carefully inspect the entire contents of their lockers, especially small or deeply stored items that may be easy to miss.
Transparency and evidence matter: The use of video recordings during inspections adds a strong layer of accountability and helps resolve such disputes conclusively.
Escalation channels must be responsive: Bindu’s frustration stemmed largely from a perceived lack of response from the bank. Even though the complaint was ultimately unfounded, it underlines the importance of efficient grievance redressal systems.
Public faith in banks is paramount: Even a hint of impropriety or mismanagement can spark public concern. Banks must remain vigilant and communicative to ensure continued trust.
The Bigger Picture
The SBI locker incident in Bengaluru is a reminder of the crucial role banks play as custodians of people’s trust and valuables. While this particular case ended without any loss or security breach, it serves as a valuable lesson for both banks and customers to exercise diligence and maintain open lines of communication.
For now, SBI can breathe a sigh of relief, but the message is clear: transparency, communication, and security must go hand in hand in banking operations.
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