Kota, Rajasthan (June 5, 2025):
Sakshi Gupta, an employee at the ICICI Bank branch in Shriramnagar, Kota, was arrested for allegedly embezzling approximately ₹4.58 crore from 110 accounts belonging to 41 senior citizens. She reportedly misused the 'Future FD' (Uchure FD) banking link to silently withdraw funds, which were then funneled into the stock market through high-risk options and user-based trading.
Key Details:
Method of Fraud:
Gupta allegedly closed fixed deposits prematurely, activated overdraft facilities, and used digital banking channels like Insta Kiosks and internet banking to transfer funds to her and her family’s accounts.
OTP and Alert Manipulation:
She changed the mobile numbers linked to 19 accounts to divert OTPs and SMS alerts to her family members’ phones.
Use of Pool Account:
A major chunk — ₹3.22 crore — was moved through a senior citizen’s account (Hemwati Sahu), which acted as a pool account for laundering money from multiple victims.
Stock Market Loss:
Gupta reportedly lost a significant portion of the embezzled amount in high-risk trades in the stock market.
Fake Documentation:
She attempted to legitimize the transactions using forged FD receipts, tampered mutual fund statements, and falsified transaction records.
Arrest & Investigation:
The fraud came to light during an internal audit, leading to an FIR on February 18. She was arrested during her sister's wedding and later remanded. Police are probing possible internal collusion.
Bank's Response:
ICICI Bank assured that no customer would suffer a financial loss, stating that valid claims have been fully refunded and customer interest remains their top priority.
