Bank cashier who duped villagers dies in Rajkot, Gujarat

Mahendrasinh Sarvaiya, accused of siphoning Rs 4 crore from the bank where he worked, died on Sunday.

He was admitted on May 24 in a private hospital at Bhavnagar after consuming sleeping pills in an attempt to commit suicide.

Sarvaiya, a cashier with State Bank of India, Talaja branch in Bhavnagar district, duped scores of villagers of Talaja and neighbouring villages.

He received money from them but never deposited it in their accounts.

The police lodged a complaint against him on May 24, following which he consumed sleeping pills in a bid to commit suicide. After prolonged treatment, he died on Sunday.

Unfortunately, the police were not able to record his statement as he was unconscious during treatment.

According to Talaja police, 350 account holders lost close to Rs4 crore in the scam. However, investigations are on in the matter.

“Villagers trusted him blindly. Most account holders used to conduct money transactions through him rather than directly go to the branch. He betrayed their faith by not depositing their money after taking their signatures or thumb impressions,” police said. 

Sarvaiya had been working in the Talaja branch since 1996. He was respected by everyone and was involved in various religious and social activities.

He even built an ashram and developed a temple in the name of Lord Kal Bhairav.