If you’re experiencing this problem with this brand or any other company, submit your complaint and we may feature it on Choice4Voice.com.
Submit your complaint →Marketing leader and AI strategist Arshi Khan has accused Axis Bank of unauthorized lien marking, mishandling of funds, and wrongful linking of her account with her ex-husband’s customer ID. Despite multiple escalations and follow-ups, the issue remains unresolved, raising serious questions about data security, internal coordination, and customer rights at Axis Bank.
Complaint Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Arshi Khan |
| Complainant Role | Award-Winning Marketing Leader & AI Generalist |
| Date of First Incident | September 23, 2025 |
| Date of Latest Update | October 26, 2025 |
| Bank Name | Axis Bank |
| Branch/Service Concerned | Savings Account & Credit Card Division |
| Issue Type | Unauthorized Lien Marking, Fund Mismanagement, Customer ID Linking Error |
| Complainant’s Allegations | Axis Bank froze funds without proper adjustment, merged account data with ex-husband’s ID, and deducted random amounts without explanation |
| Status | Unresolved |
| Location | India (Exact branch unspecified) |
Full Complaint Details
Arshi Khan, a well-known marketing professional and 360° brand strategist, has publicly expressed her disappointment with Axis Bank Limited for what she describes as a “chain of unauthorized actions and system failures” involving her personal bank account.
The issue began on September 23, 2025, when her savings account was suddenly lien-marked due to delayed credit card dues. While she acknowledges that the bank may hold funds in such cases, her main grievance lies in the fact that the held amount was not adjusted toward the dues, leaving her funds locked indefinitely.
Despite repeated follow-ups with customer care, nodal officers, and her relationship manager, the lien was neither lifted nor settled properly.
On October 16, 2025, another deposit triggered a second lien, further restricting access to her funds. When she requested Axis Bank to adjust the held funds toward the outstanding amount, she reportedly received no response.
By October 23, her internet banking access was suspended, and an additional lien was placed again, without notice. Finally, on October 26, the lien was lifted, but a random deduction was made that did not match any known dues.
What followed was even more disturbing Axis Bank allegedly linked her Customer ID with that of her ex-husband, who happened to be an add-on cardholder on her old credit card account. According to Ms. Khan, her current account was opened after her divorce using documents in her maiden name, making this linkage a serious data integrity violation.
Despite weeks of escalation, she has been told to “wait for three more working days” with no access to her account and no clear explanation of the internal errors.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Unauthorized lien marking without proper adjustment of dues.
- Suspension of internet banking access without notice.
- Random, unexplained deductions from the savings account.
- Erroneous linking of Customer ID to ex-husband’s profile a major privacy breach.
- Lack of coordination between customer care, nodal officers, and RM.
- Repeated false assurances and delayed responses.
Possible Violations and Legal Implications
| Issue | Possible Violation | Applicable Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized lien and fund freezing | Banking Regulation Act, 1949 | RBI Ombudsman |
| Customer ID linkage without consent | IT Act, 2000 (Section 43A – Data Privacy) | CERT-In / RBI |
| Unjustified deductions | RBI’s Fair Practice Code for Banks | RBI Consumer Protection Department |
| Non-transparent handling of dues | RBI Master Circular on Customer Service | Banking Ombudsman |
| Account access suspension without notice | RBI Directions on Digital Banking Rights | Consumer Forum |
RBI Guidelines Relevant to the Case
As per RBI’s Master Circular on Customer Service (DBR.No.Leg.BC.21/09.07.006/2015-16):
- No lien or debit freeze can be applied without prior written communication to the account holder.
- Customers must receive transaction-level explanations for any deductions.
- Banks are required to ensure segregation of customer IDs to prevent unauthorized data linking.
- Grievances must be resolved within 30 days, failing which customers may escalate to the Banking Ombudsman.
How to File a Complaint Against Axis Bank
Step 1: Write to Axis Bank Grievance Redressal Cell
Submit details of lien marking, deductions, and account linking error.
Email: grievance.officer@axisbank.com
Website: https://www.axisbank.com/support/grievance-redressal
Step 2: Escalate to Axis Bank Nodal Officer
If unresolved within 7 days, contact the Nodal Officer.
Email: nodal.officer@axisbank.com
Step 3: Approach the RBI Ombudsman
File your grievance under the RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme if Axis Bank fails to resolve it within 30 days.
🔗 https://cms.rbi.org.in
Attach:
- Written complaint copies
- Lien and deduction statements
- Communication history
Step 4: File a Complaint for Data Misuse
Since the Customer ID linkage may involve a data privacy breach, file a complaint at:
🔗 https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
You can also raise it with the Data Protection Authority (when applicable) under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Sample Email Template
Subject: Unauthorized Lien, Account Access Suspension & Customer ID Mislinking – Urgent Resolution Required
Dear Axis Bank Grievance Team,
My savings account has been repeatedly lien-marked without adjustment of dues. Moreover, my Customer ID has been wrongfully linked with another individual’s profile without consent. These actions have caused mental distress, financial inconvenience, and raise serious privacy concerns.
Kindly investigate this matter urgently and provide a written explanation along with reversal of unauthorized actions.
Regards,
Arshi Khan
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we stand with consumers like Arshi Khan who face unauthorized actions by banks or digital platforms.
We assist by:
- Drafting escalation letters to RBI and Data Protection authorities
- Publishing verified consumer cases for public awareness
- Preparing complaint templates for RBI Ombudsman and cybercrime portals
- Guiding customers on legal and financial recourse
If you have faced a similar issue with Axis Bank or any other financial institution, submit your case at Choice4Voice.com our team ensures your complaint reaches the right authorities with full visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can Axis Bank place a lien without informing the customer?
No. RBI mandates prior written intimation and a valid reason before placing a lien.
Q2. What can I do if my funds are frozen for unclear reasons?
Immediately write to the bank’s grievance redressal officer and escalate to the RBI Ombudsman if unresolved.
Q3. Is linking a Customer ID with another individual legal?
No. Such linkage without consent violates RBI’s KYC norms and privacy rules.
Q4. How long should Axis Bank take to resolve a lien dispute?
Within 7 working days, as per RBI service quality standards.
Q5. What is the RBI Ombudsman’s role in such cases?
The Ombudsman ensures customer grievances are resolved fairly and compensation is awarded if needed.
Q6. Can I claim compensation for emotional distress?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can seek compensation for mental harassment and inconvenience.
Q7. What documents are needed to prove wrongful deductions?
Bank statements, lien marking screenshots, and written communication with bank officials.
Q8. Can Axis Bank suspend internet banking access without notice?
No. Customers must be informed with a valid reason and expected resolution time.
Q9. How can Choice4Voice.com assist me?
We provide complaint templates, guidance for escalation, and visibility by publishing verified grievances.
Q10. What is the time limit to approach the RBI Ombudsman?
You must escalate within 30 days of the bank’s unsatisfactory or no response.
