Angered by the notice of Bank of Baroda asking customers to pay interest for loans against mortgaged jewellery that were burgled in January, 2015, villagers picketed the nationalised bank branch at Kurubarapalli here on Monday.
Villagers in and around the area had mortgaged their gold jewellery in the bank and obtained loan. On January 24, a gang of unidentified persons entered the bank and took away 6,000 sovereigns of gold jewellery.
Recently, villagers who had mortgaged their jewellery were asked to pay interest to the bank. Over 50 villagers picketed the bank and blocked the Krishnagiri Main Road. Bank officials and police pacified them and the customers withdrew their protest.
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Villagers said many protests were conducted asking the bank to return the jewellery or pay cash for it. However, no action had been taken, they added.
Key accused held
Meanwhile, the police on Monday arrested Sheikh Alikhan (53) of Uttar Pradesh, a member of the gang, which was involved in burglary. Earlier, the police arrested three persons and recovered jewellery worth Rs. 45 lakh.
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As many as 10 special teams, led by DSP Sandanapandiyan, were formed to nab the accused, who were suspected to be from North India.
Based on inquiries, the special team arrested Sheikh Alikhan from his native place and brought him to Krishnagiri. He was produced in the court and lodged in prison. The police have filed a petition in the court seeking his custody. Six more members would be arrested soon, the police said.
Notice asking them to pay interest sparks
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