Branch experience from Bastar

Branch experience shared by Shri Markam, Branch Manager, Sukma Branch, in CITIZEN SBI INTERVENTION-II PROGRAMME.

SUKMA BRANCH, BASTAR REGION, RAIPUR MODULE, CHHATTISGARH.

On 16^th December 2009 at 2:10 pm four un-identified persons entered into the premises of Sukma Branch. One of them attacked security guard by knife.  The  security guard, though vigilant, was hit  on the left side of the chest.  The scuffle attracted the attention of other staff members. The area being a very sensitive (being a naxalite infested area) the staff immediately sensed trouble.  Meanwhile the other  three miscreants were preparing to enter the staff area. Their intention probably was to rob the branch as also the arms and ammunition of the security guard.  All staff members in one go shouted alertness and took position to defend against the miscreants. Even the customers at the counters and in the banking hall took position to fight  against the miscreants. Everything happened quite spontaneously in 30-45 seconds.

Seeing the unexpected, the miscreants withdrew their offence and made a run towards the main entrance. They managed to escape through the dense forest behind the branch.

After  this incidence, the branch staff and customers  were in a sense of shock. First aid service was provided to the wounded security guard and he was rushed to health centre for treatment. The Branch Manager immediately telephoned local police station for assistance. Police guards reached the branch and search operation started .  The security forces also went into the dense jungles, where the miscreants had rushed but they returned empty handed.

 At the branch, the atmosphere is that of shock and total disbelief at the incidence that happened in the broad daylight. A feeling of fear and insecurity was engulfing the staff members and customers too. Some of the staff members overreacted by submitting their leave applications to branch manager at some pretext.  Overall, the confidence level of the staff members was very low.

Sensing the atmosphere and the feedback being received, the Branch Manager immediately called a staff. After briefing on the incidence and the subsequent actions taken, he appreciated the proactive role of security guard, staff members and customers too. He also acknowledged the courage displayed by  the staff in defending against the miscreants. He advised the staff to work as a team, be strong and brave in future in any such eventuality. He assured all possible help from local police authorities to safeguard the branch, staff and customers.

Staff members after  that meeting agreed to work as a team and withdrew their leave applications. The branch has emerged as a role model to other branches working  in the entire ‘naxalite prone area’ of Bastar region.

Courtesy: K. Natarajan, Czn Facilitator, SBLC, Raipur