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Submit your complaint →Prithviraj Acharya alleges his HDFC Bank account has been frozen for 8 months without valid reason. Despite multiple follow-ups, no resolution has come from HDFC or RBI.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Freezes Customer Account for 8 Months — No Action from RBI or Authorities, Claims Prithviraj Acharya
| Complainant Name | Prithviraj Acharya |
|---|---|
| Profession | Inventory Analyst at Bhatia Brothers |
| Company Complained Against | HDFC Bank |
| Branch Name | Marol Branch |
| Account Number (Partially Disclosed) | 50100285140512 |
| Issue Type | Account Frozen Without Explanation |
| Duration of Issue | 8 Months |
| Complaint Source | |
| Status | Pending Resolution |
| Authorities Involved | HDFC Bank, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
Full Complaint Details
Prithviraj Acharya, an Inventory Analyst at Bhatia Brothers, has raised serious allegations against HDFC Bank for freezing his savings account for over eight months without providing any valid justification.
In his LinkedIn post, Prithviraj revealed that his HDFC Bank Marol Branch account (No. 50100285140512) has been locked since early 2025, leaving him unable to access his hard-earned money.
Despite repeated follow-ups with the branch, customer care, and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), he claims that no tangible progress has been made. The bank reportedly suggested that he should “go to a different state” to resolve the issue a response that he called meaningless and insulting.
According to Prithviraj, this situation reflects a systemic failure of accountability. He expressed disappointment with both HDFC Bank’s inefficiency and the RBI’s lack of intervention, questioning whether ordinary citizens receive the same urgency and fairness as wealthy or influential customers.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Account frozen for 8 months without explanation.
- No support or resolution from HDFC Bank despite continuous follow-ups.
- RBI’s inaction despite repeated escalation.
- Inconvenient suggestion to “visit another state” for issue resolution.
- Mental stress and financial hardship due to account blockage.
Possible Legal Violations
| Legal Area | Applicable Law/Provision |
|---|---|
| Deficiency in Banking Service | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Section 2(11)) |
| Violation of RBI Customer Charter | RBI’s “Charter of Customer Rights,” Clause 2 – Right to Transparency & Fair Treatment |
| Unfair Restriction on Account Access | Banking Regulation Act, 1949 |
| Denial of Grievance Redressal | RBI Master Circular on Customer Service in Banks |
| Possible Breach of Trust | Indian Penal Code, Section 406 (if funds are wrongfully withheld) |
Authorities Where Complaint Can Be Filed
- RBI Banking Ombudsman – https://cms.rbi.org.in
- National Consumer Helpline (NCH) – https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission – File for deficiency in banking services.
- Ministry of Finance – Public Grievance Cell – https://pgportal.gov.in
- Economic Offences Wing (EOW) – For cases involving unlawful fund blocking.
Step-by-Step Guide to File Complaint Against HDFC Bank
Step 1: Write to HDFC Grievance Redressal Officer
- Visit: https://leads.hdfcbank.com/applications/webforms/grievance-redressal/
- Provide your account details, issue description, and supporting evidence.
- Wait for 30 days for response.
Step 2: Escalate to RBI Ombudsman
If HDFC Bank fails to respond or resolve, file a complaint via the RBI CMS portal:
👉 https://cms.rbi.org.in
Attach all communications with HDFC Bank and specify the financial and emotional distress caused.
Step 3: Approach the Consumer Court
If still unresolved after 30 days, file a complaint in the District Consumer Commission citing deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
📩 Email to HDFC Bank Grievance Officer
To: grievance.redressal@hdfcbank.com
Subject: Urgent – Account Frozen for 8 Months Without Reason (A/C No. 50100285140512)
Dear Grievance Officer,
I am writing to seek immediate resolution regarding my account (No. 50100285140512) which has been frozen for over 8 months without valid justification. Despite multiple follow-ups with your branch and customer service, no explanation or resolution has been provided.
Please treat this as a high-priority case and restore my account access immediately.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Registered Mobile/Email]
RBI Ombudsman Complaint Template
- Log in to: https://cms.rbi.org.in
- Select: Complaint Type → Banking Service → Account Blocked/Withheld Without Cause
- Attach:
- Screenshot of frozen account error or blocked transactions
- Copies of email communication with HDFC Bank
- Date-wise timeline of follow-ups
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we actively support consumers like Prithviraj Acharya by publishing verified complaints that expose unethical practices and push for accountability.
If your bank account has been frozen, funds withheld, or service denied, you can submit your case through our Google Form.
Once verified, your case will be featured publicly to compel faster resolution.
About HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank Ltd. is one of India’s largest private sector banks, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai. Despite its reputation for innovation and service, recent consumer reports indicate growing dissatisfaction related to arbitrary account freezes, delayed refunds, and poor grievance handling.
Official Contact Details:
- Website: www.hdfcbank.com
- Email: grievance.redressal@hdfcbank.com
Questions About HDFC Bank Account Freeze & Consumer Rights
Q1. Why does HDFC Bank freeze customer accounts?
Usually due to KYC issues, compliance checks, or suspected irregular activity.
Q2. How long can a bank legally freeze an account?
Only until the KYC or investigation is complete not indefinitely without explanation.
Q3. Can a customer demand written reasons for account freezing?
Yes, under RBI’s Customer Charter, banks must provide a written reason upon request.
Q4. What to do if my HDFC account is frozen?
Contact your branch manager and then the grievance redressal officer.
Q5. How can I escalate if HDFC Bank doesn’t respond?
File a complaint on https://cms.rbi.org.in.
Q6. Is freezing without notice legal?
No, RBI mandates banks to inform customers before or immediately after freezing.
Q7. Can I sue HDFC Bank for withholding my money?
Yes, you can approach the consumer court for deficiency in service.
Q8. How long does RBI take to respond to a complaint?
Typically 30–45 days, depending on case complexity.
Q9. What is the RBI Ombudsman?
It’s a mechanism for resolving complaints against banks for unfair practices.
Q10. Can I claim compensation for mental harassment?
Yes, under Section 14 of the Consumer Protection Act.
Q11. What documents are required for an RBI complaint?
Account details, complaint copy to the bank, and communication proof.
Q12. Can I withdraw funds while my account is frozen?
No, all transactions remain suspended until the issue is resolved.
Q13. How do I contact HDFC’s grievance redressal officer?
Via the official grievance form on HDFC’s website.
Q14. What happens if the bank ignores my complaint?
You can escalate to the RBI Ombudsman or file a consumer case.
Q15. Are there others facing similar HDFC issues?
Yes, several customers report prolonged freezes and poor communication.
Q16. Can RBI penalize HDFC for such negligence?
Yes, under RBI’s regulatory powers and audit compliance framework.
Q17. What is the maximum time for grievance resolution?
RBI mandates banks to resolve consumer complaints within 30 days.
Q18. Is visiting another state necessary to fix my account?
No. Such advice is unjustified unless the account belongs to a different jurisdiction.
Q19. How can I check if my complaint is registered with RBI?
Log in to the RBI CMS portal to track your status.
Q20. Can Choice4Voice.com help escalate my banking complaint?
Yes, we amplify verified consumer voices online to push institutions for faster resolutions.