Page 218 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

involved in frauds in departments other than loans also like Deposit
Department, Remittance Department, Cash Department, Safe Deposit
Lockers and the like. I consoled myself that some element of risk is always
there everywhere. There was a risk even while crossing the road on foot
or while driving on the road. But I still had some apprehension as this
was an Exceptionally Large Category branch where the volume and size
of loans was very large and credit appraisal process much more varied,
complicated and advanced than I had handled so far.

Next day, a good friend working in the same branch came to meet me. I
told him about what my relative had narrated about great risks in Loan
Department of such a large branch. I asked him what the pattern of risk
in this branch was. He had good knowledge about happenings in the
branches nearby having worked for long in other capacities than a Credit
Department. He said, "I agree that risks are there. But there are risks in
heading Deposits Department also." He pointed out to the cabin of Head
of Deposits Department and told me that he along with one more officer
and a clerk had been facing charges of negligence for issuing a cheque
book to wrong person who also defrauded the bank for Rs. 9.5 lakh by
encashing some cheques with forged signatures of the company officials
out of the same cheque book obtained fraudulently.

This dialogue really helped me soothe my nerves. I was candid to confront
yet another challenge that my profession and life might bring to me. I
was indebted for all the learning and wisdom that I was gathering along
the way and I continued to work in the same capacity. But I decided to
be very vigilant in all transactions.

Insights from the episode

1. If something happens not as per your plans in spite of best efforts,
take it as destined and live in peace.

2. There is no place free from problems. We have to learn to take them
head on.

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