A viral video has exposed a branch manager of the District Cooperative Central Bank allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from a widow seeking to withdraw money from her deceased husband's account, prompting an administrative inquiry in Chhattisgarh's Balodabazar district.

Widow Forced to Pay Rs 5,000

The complainant, Khelan Bai Satnami, a resident of Nipania village, told officials that her husband Roopdas Satnami died around a year ago, leaving behind a bank account with approximately Rs 1.10 lakh at the Nipania branch of the cooperative bank. When she approached the branch to complete the withdrawal formalities, branch manager Anita Pandey allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 to process the paperwork. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 5,000, which the widow paid.

Villager Films Transaction

A villager who had accompanied the woman to the bank recorded the exchange on video and shared it widely on social media. The clip reportedly shows the manager questioning the woman about her late husband, getting documents signed, and later telling the woman's son to hurry with the withdrawal. When asked how much money was involved, the son replied Rs 5,000, after which the manager is heard telling the family to come to her directly with any future issues.

Complaint Filed With Collector

Following the incident, Khelan Bai approached the Balodabazar Collector during the public grievance hearing (Jan Darshan) and lodged a formal complaint against the bank official. She submitted the video evidence to the administration and demanded an inquiry, along with registration of an FIR and action against the manager.

MLA Raises Questions Over Conduct

Bhatapara MLA Indra Sao also questioned the manager's conduct, saying multiple complaints against her had surfaced even during her earlier postings. According to the MLA, farmers in Nipania have also been troubled by her working style. He alleged that around a year ago, when he had raised similar concerns over the phone, the officer responded dismissively before disconnecting the call, asserting she would do as she pleased. He added that such complaints reflect poorly on his constituency and that some villagers have alleged bribes are routinely sought for routine banking work.

Administration Orders Probe

According to officials, Balodabazar Collector Kuldeep Sharma has directed the nodal officer of the concerned department to investigate the matter following the complaint. Authorities confirmed that action would depend on the findings of the inquiry.

Background of the Bank

Anita Pandey serves as the branch manager of the District Cooperative Central Bank's Nipania branch in Balodabazar district. The incident has drawn renewed attention to allegations of corruption in cooperative banking institutions across rural Chhattisgarh, where residents have previously raised concerns about being asked for bribes for routine services such as fund withdrawals and land-related paperwork.

What Happens Next

With the video evidence now submitted to district authorities, the inquiry is expected to determine the validity of the allegations against the manager. Local sources said further action, including possible disciplinary proceedings, would depend on the outcome of the administrative probe ordered by the Collector.