Since the Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank scam come to the fore, several deaths of depositors have been reported. These are people whose hard-earned money is lying in the bank but they aren't able to withdraw it. Seven deaths have already occurred and in the latest development, a 74-year-old depositor of the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank died after a prolonged illness, his family said.
Andrew Lobo died on the night of October 31 after he could not get access to his money deposited in the bank for treatment.
BCCL
According to the family, Lobo had deposited Rs 35 lakhs in the bank as a fixed deposit and the interest received on the amount was the sole source of income.
The septuagenarian was living with his wife who was the only one to take care of him.
Lobo and his wife were worried about the money and treatment since they heard of the scam in the bank, the family said.
Reuters
The Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police has arrested five persons -- three top officials of the bank and two promoters of realty group HDIL -- in the scam.
Bank officials are alleged to have colluded with the promoters of HDIL in hiding its huge loan defaults.
Among the deaths of depositors reported after the scam came to light in September and fund withdrawal was capped at Rs 40,000 (hiked from the initial Rs 1,000), one was suicide.