A disturbing incident in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, has sparked major discussions about workplace pressure and employee treatment in public sector banks. In a shocking turn of events, a bank employee from the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Khed village under the Gudhagaurji police station area attempted to set himself on fire in public.
Quick action by local villagers and police officials prevented a tragedy. However, the event has revealed a troubling undercurrent of alleged harassment, mismanagement, and growing dissatisfaction among employees — turning the spotlight on internal working conditions at one of India’s largest banks.
Morning Panic in Khed Village
It was around 9:15 to 9:30 AM — a time when most banks are just opening for business — when panic spread across Khed village.
An SBI employee, identified as Pawan Ji, suddenly poured a flammable liquid on himself and threatened to ignite it. Shocked villagers rushed to the spot, followed quickly by local police, who managed to stop him in time.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and emotional scene. Pawan appeared deeply agitated, repeatedly shouting about injustice, harassment, and corruption.
Villagers were stunned — how could a well-educated bank official reach such a breaking point?
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A Cry Against Injustice and Harassment
According to officials from the Regional Office, Pawan was posted earlier as a “Second Manager” and originally hailed from the Bisau area. He had been transferred some time ago but returned to the Khed branch the day before the incident, where he allegedly tried to take a seat at the cash counter — sparking a heated argument.
That dispute, officials believe, spiraled into this extreme act the following morning.
Allegations Shake SBI Branch When confronted by the village Sarpanch and others trying to calm him down, Pawan spoke emotionally about the “injustice” he faced. He claimed he had been:
- Treated unfairly by superiors.
- Mentally harassed and “tortured” over a long period.
- Physically assaulted, though he didn’t name anyone.
- And had witnessed corruption within the system.
Pawan said he had proof to back his claims and wanted to present it only to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), insisting that he would not cooperate with the local police. He alleged that the DIG had directed him to speak only in his presence — a claim suggesting deep distrust toward lower authorities.
Regional Office representatives who knew him admitted that Pawan had a history of emotional distress. They noted he had previously engaged in hunger strikes and protest actions, indicating a long-standing struggle within his professional life.
Serious Allegations Against the Branch Manager
The drama at the SBI Khed branch also brought new allegations against the Branch Manager, Subhash Chawla.
While Pawan’s grievances were largely about harassment and injustice, a local resident, Anil Kumar, stepped forward with direct accusations against the manager’s conduct.
Anil Kumar described the branch manager as “a nonsense person,” accusing him of denying loans to deserving applicants even when all documents were in order.
Citing his own experience, Kumar said he had applied for a loan to purchase buffaloes, but despite complete paperwork, his application was rejected.
Instead, he was allegedly told to apply under a “ladies group loan” scheme — an answer that raised serious questions about bias and irregular practices within the branch.
These local testimonies suggest the problems at the Khed SBI branch may run deeper than a single employee’s dispute — possibly pointing to systemic issues in management and decision-making.
Locals and Police Prevent a Tragedy
Villagers deserve major credit for preventing a tragedy. Their quick reaction — rushing in, reasoning with Pawan, and calling for help — helped save his life.
The village Sarpanch personally engaged with Pawan, urging him to express his grievances through official channels rather than resorting to self-harm.
Soon after, the police, led by Officer Sandeep Ji, reached the scene. They found Pawan in an extremely disturbed state, shouting and resisting attempts to calm him down.
After considerable effort, the officers managed to restrain him safely and take him to the police station for protection and further inquiry.
Police later stated that Pawan was too emotional to give a coherent statement at the scene. They assured him that his concerns would be properly investigated and that justice would be done.
However, Pawan continued to demand a meeting with the DIG, reflecting the depth of his frustration and loss of faith in the system.
Internal and Police Investigations Begin
After the incident, the atmosphere at the SBI Khed branch remained tense.
Officials from the Regional Office arrived soon after to take stock of the situation and initiate an internal probe.
They confirmed Pawan’s transfer had already taken place and that his presence at the branch was not in line with official orders.
Both the bank’s internal inquiry and the police investigation are now focusing on several key questions:
- Why did Pawan return to the branch after being transferred?
- What exactly triggered the argument before the incident?
- Are there credible signs of harassment, corruption, or assault?
- And how valid are the loan denial allegations against the branch manager?
Police have begun recording statements from Pawan, Manager Subhash Chawla, other employees, and local witnesses, including Anil Kumar and the Sarpanch.
Authorities say all evidence will be reviewed carefully before any legal action is taken.
