In a surprise move, the banking facilities of a small time 54-year-old farmer from Philibhit was terminated alleging him to be "guarantor" for the liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, who has defaulted on loan repayment and is facing money laundering charges.
Reports said that Manmohan Singh, a resident of Khajuria Naviram village under Bilsanda police station in Philibhit district was shocked when he was informed by officials of Naand branch of Bank of Baroda on last Thursday that his two accounts were being frozen for standing as "guarantor" for Mallya. Acting on instructions of BOB regional office, Mumbai, Manager Mange lal froze Singh's accounts, one having a deposit of Rs 12,000 and the other Rs 4,000.
Singh says he does not even know Mallya or anything about his company.
"leave alone Mallya or Kingfisher, I have never traveled to Mumbai or even lucknow," he said.
The farmer said he had taken a loan of Rs four lakh some two years ago for which he had submitted documents relating to his land with the bank. Interestingly after the matter was high-lighted in the media, the bank officials back track from their decision.
The branch manager claimed that he has got fresh orders from the regional office and Singh's accounts are being restored with immediate effect.
It may be mentioned that Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines has been accused of defaulting on bank loans of over Rs 9,400 crore.