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Submit your complaint →Vireshwar Das reports harassment by Kotak Mahindra Bank’s recovery agent, leading to job loss and mental distress. Detailed complaint analysis and legal remedies explained.
Complaint Summary : Vireshwar Das vs Kotak Mahindra Bank | Recovery Agent Misconduct & Harassment Complaint
| Complainant Name | Vireshwar Das |
|---|---|
| Company/Brand | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Complaint Type | Harassment by Recovery Agent / Misconduct |
| Product/Service | Kotak Credit Card |
| Date of Incident | October 2025 |
| Company’s Response | No official response yet |
| Platform Source | Verified LinkedIn Post |
Full Complaint Report
In a deeply troubling incident, Mr. Vireshwar Das, a verified professional and creative director, has accused Kotak Mahindra Bank’s recovery agent of abusive behavior, intimidation, and personal harassment that allegedly led to his job loss.
Vireshwar explains that he has been struggling with pending Kotak credit card payments for about a year, following multiple personal tragedies, including the deaths of six close family members and his mother’s severe illness requiring liver transplant expenses of ₹20–25 lakhs.
Despite these extraordinary hardships, the complainant says that instead of understanding his situation, a Kotak Mahindra Bank recovery agent made degrading and violent threats over the phone. According to the report, the agent allegedly said:
“What does paying and these things have to do with each other? I’ll break into your house and relieve your mother if you don’t give me my money.”
The harassment reportedly escalated when the agent stalked Vireshwar’s social media account, called his employer, and verbally abused his boss for nearly seven minutes. This led to his immediate termination from employment, adding to his financial and emotional distress.
Consumer Protection & Legal Perspective
This case highlights serious violations of ethical and legal standards governing recovery practices in India. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Guidelines on Fair Practices Code for Lenders and Recovery Agents, banks must ensure that:
- Agents do not resort to threats, intimidation, or harassment of any kind.
- Privacy and dignity of borrowers are respected at all times.
- All communications are conducted professionally and sensitively, especially in cases involving medical or financial hardship.
If proven true, the actions described by Vireshwar Das can fall under:
- Section 503 & 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal intimidation.
- Section 354D IPC for stalking (social media harassment).
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for deficiency in service and unethical collection practices.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Assist
At Choice4Voice.com, we ensure that such serious consumer grievances receive the public attention they deserve. The platform helps victims of harassment and unethical corporate conduct by:
- Publishing verified consumer complaints for greater visibility.
- Guiding victims to file official complaints with RBI, police, and consumer authorities.
- Ensuring that institutions are held accountable for misconduct by their employees or agents.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Vireshwar Das
- File an FIR immediately at the nearest police station under Sections 503, 506, and 354D IPC.
- Submit a written complaint to the RBI Banking Ombudsman citing harassment and violation of fair collection guidelines.
- Email the Grievance Redressal Officer of Kotak Mahindra Bank with call recordings, timestamps, and details of the agent’s misconduct.
- Inform the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the mental harassment and loss of employment.
- Approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum for damages caused by the bank’s agent.
Sample Complaint Email to RBI Ombudsman
Subject: Urgent Complaint Against Kotak Mahindra Bank Recovery Agent – Harassment and Threats
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am filing this complaint to report severe harassment and intimidation by a recovery agent representing Kotak Mahindra Bank. Despite explaining my financial distress and medical circumstances, the agent used abusive language, made threats, and even contacted my employer, resulting in my termination.
This is a clear violation of RBI’s “Code of Conduct for Recovery Agents.” I request an urgent inquiry into this matter and immediate disciplinary action against the concerned agent.
Sincerely,
Vireshwar Das
Legal Bodies & Authorities to Approach
| Authority | Purpose | Website/Email |
|---|---|---|
| RBI Ombudsman | Complaint on recovery agent harassment | crpcell@rbi.org.in |
| National Consumer Helpline (NCH) | Deficiency of service complaint | www.consumerhelpline.gov.in |
| Cyber Crime Portal | For stalking and online harassment | www.cybercrime.gov.in |
| Local Police Station | FIR for intimidation and threats | Offline submission |
| NHRC India | Mental harassment and rights violation | www.nhrc.nic.in |
RBI Guidelines for Recovery Practices
- Agents must identify themselves and their institution at the start of every call.
- Calls should not be made before 7 AM or after 7 PM.
- No use of threats, physical force, or abusive language.
- Banks are fully responsible for the actions of their agents.
Preventive Steps for Consumers
- Always record recovery calls for legal proof.
- Avoid sharing personal or professional details with recovery agents.
- Immediately report abusive or threatening behavior to RBI or local authorities.
- Send all communication through email for evidence preservation.
Q&A
Q1. What should I do if a bank recovery agent threatens me?
File a police complaint and inform RBI immediately.
Q2. Are recovery agents allowed to contact my employer?
No. This violates privacy and RBI’s recovery guidelines.
Q3. Can I record calls from recovery agents for evidence?
Yes, call recordings are valid proof in complaints and legal actions.
Q4. What legal protections do I have against harassment by bank agents?
RBI guidelines and IPC laws protect consumers from intimidation.
Q5. Can a bank be held responsible for its agent’s misconduct?
Yes, banks are liable for the behavior of their authorized agents.
Q6. How to complain to Kotak Mahindra Bank about agent harassment?
Email their grievance redressal cell with details and evidence.
Q7. What is the RBI Banking Ombudsman’s role?
It resolves consumer complaints about unfair or unethical banking practices.
Q8. Can harassment by a recovery agent lead to mental trauma claims?
Yes, you can claim compensation for psychological distress.
Q9. How long does RBI take to act on harassment complaints?
Usually 30–45 days after submission with all documentation.
Q10. Are recovery agents allowed to visit my home?
Only with prior consent and within permitted hours.
Q11. Can I block calls from abusive agents?
Yes, after reporting the incident to the bank and police.
Q12. What penalties can a bank face for agent misconduct?
RBI may impose fines or restrict recovery operations.
Q13. Is calling a borrower’s boss legal for debt recovery?
No. It breaches confidentiality and is punishable under law.
Q14. What mental health protections exist for such harassment cases?
Victims can seek legal and psychological support under human rights laws.
Q15. What documents should be attached when filing an RBI complaint?
Call records, emails, screenshots, and agent details.
Q16. Can I seek compensation for job loss caused by agent behavior?
Yes, through consumer court and civil claims.
Q17. What should I avoid saying to recovery agents?
Avoid personal information; stick to official correspondence.
Q18. Are third-party recovery agencies monitored by RBI?
Yes, banks must audit and regulate third-party collectors.
Q19. How can Choice4Voice.com help in such cases?
By publishing verified cases to build public and institutional pressure.
Q20. What’s the next step if the bank ignores RBI directives?
Approach consumer court and media platforms for wider exposure.
