SBI Bank Manager defrauded by Tour Company

A Lucknow tour company has been accused of swindling Rs 4.25 lakh from Poonam Gautam, a bank manager residing in Izzatnagar, Bareilly. The proprietor of the company allegedly misled Gautam even after the fraudulent transaction took place and later stopped responding to her calls. As a result, Gautam filed a complaint with the Izzatnagar police, leading to the registration of a case against the accused and the initiation of an investigation.

Victim’s Account of the Incident

Poonam Gautam, a bank manager at SBI’s Qutubkhana branch and a resident of Green City Colony near Mini Bypass in Bareilly, shared her account of the events. She stated that her bank provided her with a tour package every four years, and in February, she was approached by Gopal Gupta, the proprietor of a Lucknow tour company, who offered her an attractive tour package.

The tour package, which was finalized for visiting North-East India from 20 to 31 May, required an advance payment of Rs 25,000. Gautam complied and later deposited Rs 2 lakh into Gupta’s account. Subsequently, an additional Rs 1 lakh was handed over to him. On May 11, Gupta provided two tickets to Kolkata but failed to provide a return ticket. When Gautam inquired about the return ticket, Gupta made excuses, further raising suspicions. Eventually, Gupta requested another Rs 1 lakh from Gautam.

Lack of Communication and Cancellation Attempts

The bank manager revealed that a total of Rs 4.25 lakh had been transferred to the accused, after which he ceased communication and stopped answering her calls. Additionally, he failed to provide any vouchers for the tour. Frustrated by the lack of response, Gautam sent a message to cancel the tour. However, the accused did not refund any of the money.

Legal Action Taken

As a result of the accused’s actions, Poonam Gautam lodged an FIR against Gopal Gupta at the Izzatnagar police station. The police have registered the case and initiated an investigation to bring justice to the bank manager who fell victim to the alleged fraud.