long queues were seen in all banks on the first day after Wednesday’s closure for depositing denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on Thursday. Maximum rush was seen in the branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). People arrived on bank premises even before 7 am. Account holders also went to post offices to change their currency notes. long queues were also seen in petrol pumps like yesterday. Petrol pumps are being given for minimum of Rs 500.
Notably, notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 ceased to be legal tenders on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday the decision to withdraw the high-value notes, which are being replaced by new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes.
The scene at SBI Hamidia Road branch was chaotic where a quarrel broke out after some youths tried to jump the queue forcing police to step in, though the people were angry with the police personals as the Sub-Inspector on duty detained an old persons and took him to Hanumanganj police station.
Scene at other banks was also more or less similar as long queues were seen in almost all the banks and ATMs as people queued up outside banks and ATMs to get new currency notes in exchange of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes that have been abolished by the Government.
Bhopal Police has made adequate arrangements to ensure law and order and smooth demonetisation process in the state capital. Fearing a jump in footfalls to deposit or withdraw cash following the demonetisation, banks will remain open this Saturday and Sunday and its staff will do overtime till 9 pm for the next three days to clear the rush. In some branches, the bank authorities had made special arrangements for seating and drinking water, besides tents outside the branches in view of the heavy turnout.