I am holding a Joint Savings Account ( with my Wife) in Bassein Catholic Co-operative Bank Ltd; Papdy Branch, Vasai (West), since 1995.
We were quite satisfied with the service of the Bank. However, on 23rd September, 2009; my Wife made an ATM withdrawal from the ATM machine on the Bank premises and was surprised to find that a withdrawal, of 9000/- was made from our Account on Sunday, 20th September 2009 at 1400hrs.

My wife immediately approached the Branch Manaer and lodged a written complaing. The next day I accompanied her to the bank and also made a written complaint as I am the Primary Account holder. We explained to the Branch Manager and the Dy. Gen. Manager that it was not possible for either of us to have made this withdrawal on Sunday, 20.09.2009 - as we were at lunch in our friend's residence.

They seemed reluctant to start investigations saying that it would be embarrassing to us if it was found that one of our family members had made the withdrawal without our knowledge. We insisted that it was not posslble for anyone to use our ATM card because it is always in our safe custody - with us - we do not even allow our children to touch it.

It is 2 weeks since our complaint and nothing has yet been done. I wanted to make a Police complaint but my Wife discouraged me saying that it would incur unnecessary harrassment only to us - not to the Bank. And it would be easy for the Bank to grease the palms of investigative authorities to squash any negative publicity against them.

Is there anything else I can do, rather than just sit and wait for a reply from the Bank?? (If there is someone inside the Bank deftly withdrawing small amounts from various accounts - not being noticed - the Bank will surely try to cover-up the issue rather that spoil their name. Can this be done to show false ATM withdrawal in the records.?? People with large accounts will not have any doubts if their ATM card is being used by all Family members.)

Any advise please????

Thank you,

JEFFREY ARATHOON
jeffreyarathoon@hotmail.com