Panvel: Thousands of depositors continue to struggle for their hard-earned money as the Karnala Bank scam remains unresolved. Considered one of the biggest banking frauds in the district, the scam amounts to nearly Rs 550 crore. Former MLA and bank chairman Vivek Patil, along with four others, is in custody for his alleged involvement. While depositors with amounts up to Rs 5 lakh have received refunds through government insurance policies, Rs 167 crore belonging to 2,498 depositors is still stuck.
In a bid to recover their money, Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur and Panvel Struggle Committee President Kantilal Kadu have been actively following up on the case. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had also raised the issue, holding a press conference in Panvel. Authorities have registered cases against 63 individuals, accusing them of fraudulent loan disbursements across 63 accounts.
ED Seizes Rs 234 Crore Worth of Properties
In an important move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 234 crore worth of immovable assets belonging to former bank chairman Vivek (Vivekanand) Patil. Officials confirm that the auction of these assets will help repay affected depositors.
However, Kantilal Kadu has accused the government of delaying the auction process, prolonging the financial distress of thousands. With growing pressure from depositors and political leaders, authorities are now expected to take decisive action in this high-profile banking fraud.
