Jyoti Bikas Bank condemns assault on its employees

KATHMANDU: Jyoti Bikas Bank has strongly condemned a serious assault on its staff.

According to the bank, the director of Sapta Koshi Integrated Agro Firm Pvt. Ltd., along with his family and associates, physically restrained and assaulted bank employees with the intent to cause serious harm.

The incident occurred when two employees from the bank’s Regional Office in Bardibas visited the firm to discuss loan installment payments, following prior telephone communication.

Upon arrival, the firm’s director, family members, and associates reportedly held the employees captive and subjected them to hours of mistreatment. The bank claims that even the acting deputy mayor was allegedly involved in the incident.

The employees were reportedly threatened with death for not immediately providing a written notice to halt collateral auctions.

With no support from security agencies, the bank had no choice but to issue the required document. In a statement, the bank described the incident as deeply regrettable.

Jyoti Bikas Bank, regulated by Nepal Rastra Bank, is a national-level development bank, and its employees serve as the primary agents in conducting banking operations.

The bank called the attack “unfortunate” and emphasized that it occurred while employees were performing their professional duties.

Expressing concern over the increasing targeting of banks and financial institutions by unlawful and criminal activities, the bank strongly condemned such acts.

It also confirmed that legal procedures have been initiated to bring the perpetrators to justice and reiterated its commitment to firmly oppose any criminal behavior.

The bank urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant regarding the incident and to respect the legal process.