Villagers Hold Bank Officials Hostage In Haryana's Jind For Only Handing Out Rs 2,000 Notes

Jind, Haryana: Amid the continuing scramble for cash, especially after payment of salaries at the beginning of the month, some areas have witnessed tension and chaos.

In the Jind district of Haryana, the patience of the residents of Dharauni village finally broke on Friday evening - the villagers gathered outside the Oriental Bank of Commerce and held those inside hostage.

Villagers say the bank officials have only been doling out cash to people they know. They also allege that since the old 500 and 1,000-rupee notes were barred by the government, they have only received a maximum of 2,000 rupees, that too after a five-six hour wait.

"The bank opens at 11 am and by noon they say they've run out of cash. But the manager provides cash to those known to him and even deposits their old currency," said Dharmender, a farmer.

NDTV accessed CCTV footage that shows hundreds of people gathered outside the bank and chanting slogans from 6 in the evening.

According to the police, the villagers held 12 bank officials hostage for four hours including a woman employee. Frightened the situation could get out of hand, they called the police who later chased the villagers away.

The branch manager Amit Sharma told NDTV that the bank has decided to remain shut unless they receive police protection. Haryana Police however have not promised no such protection yet.

"On an average, we receive cash thrice a week and are compelled to ration the amount among villagers. Cash dispensation is not under my control yet we become the target of their anger," Mr Sharma said.

The bank was closed today, but angry villagers gathered outside.