Dharwad: Following a series of incidents of loot and theft in banks across the state, serious concerns have been raised about the security arrangements in the banks. The absence of armed guards in majority of the bank branches is a matter of concern because the lives of the staff members working in the branches are at risk.Cases of heists in bank branches in Karnataka are reported from Mangaluru, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Mandya, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Gadag, Chitradurga districts and some other places.The recent incidents of theft in Managoli branch of Canara Bank and SBI branch in Chadchan in Vijayapura district have raised concerns about the existing security arrangements in banks across the state. The existing security system relies heavily on technology like installation of CCTV cameras, burglar alarms and the banks claim that the technology is helpful in preventing/detecting crimes in the banks. However, it has been proved in case of Managoli Canara Bank—that the offenders have outsmarted technology and are experts in neutralising these security equipments, making it tough for the police to crack the case. There is a tendency to use security guards for other works like taking photocopies of the documents.What is surprising is, the bank employees’ unions have never raised a demand for the employees’ personal security while on duty in the event of offenders attacking the bank staff physically and causing physical harm. “There is no arrangement to protect the staff from such attacks as there are no armed personnel to counter these offenders,” admitted a bank employee.“Banks have the responsibility of safeguarding the valuables pledged by the customers and also the cash and other documents. Theft of these valuables dents the customers’ trust in the Bank. RBI has issued guidelines for physical and cyber security in the banks but many banks have ignored them. The Banks have not learned lessons from the incidents that have occurred,” said Vijayapura superintendent of police Lakshman Nimbargi.He said the police have been working round the clock throughout the year to protect the lives and property of the people and government and maintain law and order. “Banks cannot expect the police to guard each and every branch. They should have internal security arrangements,” SP Nimbargi said.RBI says general security for banks includes internal bank policies, wherein commercial banks establish their own specific internal security policies and protocols for their security personnel. RBI further says bank security guards serve as the first line of defence, protecting bank staff, customers, assets, and sensitive information from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. It said security guards enforce security protocols, often using equipment like CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of the bank and its occupants.Normally, the nationalised banks at their major branches have deployed one or two security guards carrying the rifle but majority of their branches do not have armed guards.
