SBI Bank Rajkot Locker Room Flooded: Basement Lockers at Risk, Bank Not Liable for Damaged Cash or Documents, Manager Reports

Rajkot has been experiencing rainy weather continuously for the fourth day. Over the past three days, 24 inches of rain has fallen in the city, and light drizzles continue. The rainfall intensified starting Tuesday night, prompting the authorities to begin rescue and relocation efforts. 

Heavy rain began early in the morning, and within just four hours, the city faced a flood-like situation. This led to a halt in daily life, with low-lying areas submerged and some areas experiencing flooding.

In particular, the locker room of the SBI Bank’s Gymkhana branch near Trikon Baug has been inundated with a large amount of water. This has caused concern and frustration among customers. 

According to the bank manager, three different pumps have been employed since yesterday to remove the water. If the rain subsides by this evening, the water removal process will be completed.

Upon receiving the report, the Source team visited the SBI Gymkhana branch. They found that the locker room’s cellar was filled with water up to chest level. Bank employees were using three different pumps to remove the water. 

However, since the pumps are of small capacity and the rain continues, the water removal process is expected to take a significant amount of time.

Customer Criticizes SBI for Negligence: Kaushik Sartelja

Kaushik Sartelja, a customer with a locker at the bank, spoke to Source on the phone, expressing his concerns. He mentioned that he had placed important documents in the locker and went to retrieve them yesterday, only to find the locker room filled with water. 

He criticized the bank for its significant negligence, which could potentially lead to substantial losses for customers. While water removal efforts have begun, he pointed out that the pump being used is of very low capacity. He has requested that a higher-capacity pump be employed immediately to expedite the water removal process.

Bank Manager’s Statement: Bank Not Liable for Damaged Cash or Documents

Rajkot SBI Branch Manager Viren Raja addressed the issue, stating that the locker room was flooded due to heavy rainfall yesterday. The water is coming up from the ground, causing the water level to remain high even after the rain has subsided. 

He mentioned that customers are not permitted to keep cash or documents in the lockers. However, if someone has placed cash or documents in the locker and they get damaged, the bank will not be held responsible.

“Failure to Remove Water Due to Groundwater Infiltration”

The manager further explained that they contacted the municipal authorities regarding the water issue, but since it is a private property, the authorities refused to assist. Consequently, they decided to use pumps themselves to remove the water. 

They obtained a water pump from an open shop that was operational during yesterday’s rain and began using three different pumps with varying capacities to address the situation. However, due to the water seeping up from the ground, they have not achieved significant success so far. They hope to remove the water by this evening if the rainfall intensity decreases.