EOW Kashmir action leads to Rs 4.50 crore refund to 13 HDFC Bank depositors

Srinagar, Sept 15: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K on Tuesday said its swift and time-bound action in the Shopian HDFC Bank irregularities case led to the refund of around Rs 4.50 crore to 13 affected depositors.

In a statement issued to press, a spokesperson said HDFC Bank had refunded the amounts to 13 depositors affected by the alleged fraud following the prompt investigation and action taken by the EOW Kashmir.

The total amount refunded to the 13 depositors is around Rs 4.50 crore.

The matter pertains to FIR No. 30/2025, registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, following a complaint regarding financial irregularities at HDFC Bank, Shopian.

He said the case was subsequently transferred to Crime Branch J&K on the directions of Police Headquarters (PHQ), J&K, for a detailed investigation.

“During the investigation, EOW Kashmir identified five principal accused, including former branch managers and employees of HDFC Bank posted at Shopian and Pulwama. All five principal accused were arrested on February 18, 2026,” the spokesperson said.

He said that upon completion of the investigation, EOW Kashmir filed a chargesheet against 11 accused persons before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shopian, in May 2026.

“The criminal proceedings are continuing before the competent court. EOW Kashmir remains committed to taking the case to its logical conclusion and ensuring that all accused are dealt with strictly in accordance with law,” he said.—(KNO)