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.

Twin Tragedies in Chhattisgarh: 10 Dead, 41 Injured in Separate Bus Accidents on Same Day

In a heartbreaking sequence of events, the state of Chhattisgarh witnessed two major road accidents within hours, leaving at least 10 people dead and 41 others injured. The incidents occurred in the districts of Jashpur and Bhatapara on [Current Date], sending shockwaves through the region.

The first Chhattisgarh bus accident took place in the Tapkara police station area of Jashpur, where a passenger bus lost control and plowed into an under-construction building. The second fatal crash occurred on a national highway in Bhatapara, where a speeding truck collided head-on with a bus. Among the deceased are women, children, and elderly passengers.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the two tragic incidents.

Jashpur Bus Accident: Bus Plows into Under-Construction Building, 5 Dead

The first tragedy struck in the Tapkara region of Jashpur district. According to police officials, a bus traveling from KURDEG in Jharkhand to Kunkuri in Chhattisgarh was carrying approximately 25 passengers.

Near the Godaamba village, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speed. The Jashpur bus accident occurred when the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into an under-construction home before overturning.

- The Rescue Operation: The impact caused several passengers to become trapped inside the wreckage, leading to panic at the scene. Local villagers rushed to the site and, with the help of police, managed to pull the injured from the bus.

- Casualties: Sadly, five people lost their lives in this accident, including a child.

- Injuries: Over 25 injured passengers were rushed to the community health center in Kunkuri for treatment.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the crash.

Bhatapara Road Accident: Truck Collides with Bus on Highway, 5 Dead

In a separate and equally devastating incident, a Bhatapara road accident claimed the lives of five more individuals. The collision occurred near Darchura village under the Simga police station limit in Balodabazar district.

The bus, belonging to RBS company, was traveling from Raipur to Bilaspur. When it reached the national highway stretch near Darchura, a speeding truck crashed into it with tremendous force.

- Impact of the Crash: The collision was so severe that it resulted in the immediate death of four people. Later reports confirmed the toll had risen to five. The deceased include three women, an elderly person, and a child.

- Injuries and Treatment: As many as 29 passengers were injured in the bus and truck collision. While 12 of the critically injured were referred to the Mekahara hospital in Raipur for advanced treatment, the remaining 17 are receiving care at the Simga hospital.

- Ongoing Efforts: Simga police immediately reached the spot after receiving the information and launched a major relief and rescue operation. It is reported that the bus was carrying more than 35 passengers at the time of the accident.

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 Previous Road Accident in Balod

These incidents highlight a grim trend of road accidents in the state. In a similar tragic event recently, a watchman working with the forest department was killed in Balod. A speeding 14-wheeler truck ran over his moped and dragged it for nearly 50 meters, scattering body parts on the road. The victim was returning after collecting herbs when the accident occurred.

 Conclusion: A Call for Road Safety

The twin bus accidents in Jashpur and Bhatapara serve as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for stricter road safety measures. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, authorities are under pressure to ensure better traffic management and enforcement of speed limits on the national highways and rural roads of Chhattisgarh. The administration has announced relief measures for the victims' families as investigations into both incidents continue.