Pravat Kumar Barik reports that SBI deducted a ₹2655 processing fee on his personal loan but failed to credit the refund despite showing as processed in his PAPL account. Learn the full case, SBI’s refund policies, consumer rights, and how Choice4Voice.com helps highlight such unresolved banking complaints.
Complaint Summary : SBI Complaint – Pravat Kumar Barik’s Missing ₹2655 Refund Raises Concerns Over Customer Accountability
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Pravat Kumar Barik |
| Company Involved | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Type of Loan | Personal Loan |
| Issue Reported | Refund of ₹2655 processing fee not credited |
| Refund Status (PAPL) | Marked as refunded, but not visible in any account |
| Customer Care Response | Asked complainant to visit branch, no proper resolution |
| Staff Mentioned | SBI Customer Care (Ms. Sasmita) |
| Impact on Customer | Inconvenience, wasted time, lack of accountability |
| Relief Sought | Adjustment/credit of the refund amount |
| Complaint Status | Unresolved |
| Original Post | LinkedIn Post by Pravat Kumar Barik |
Detailed Complaint Analysis
Pravat Kumar Barik, a Digital Marketer and Odia Content Writer, availed a personal loan from State Bank of India (SBI). During the loan process, a processing fee of ₹2655 was deducted.
According to SBI’s official loan policy, such fees are refundable under certain conditions. In fact, in Pravat’s PAPL account records, the refund is clearly marked as “processed.”
But here’s the issue the refunded amount was never credited or adjusted to any of his accounts.
When he approached SBI Customer Care, instead of providing clarity, he was asked to visit the branch in person. The representative (Ms. Sasmita) offered no solution or timeline, reflecting a serious gap in customer accountability.
For India’s largest bank, handling millions of accounts, this kind of service failure over a small but significant refund raises critical concerns about efficiency, transparency, and trust.
Why This Complaint Matters
- Policy vs Reality: SBI’s policy promises refunds, but execution failed.
- Customer Inconvenience: A small refund turned into a long, frustrating process.
- Service Accountability: Passing responsibility to the branch shows poor customer service.
- Impact on Trust: Even minor unresolved issues can erode faith in big institutions.
- Consumer Rights Concern: Customers have a legal right to fair treatment and redressal.
20 Key Questions & Answers on the SBI Refund Issue
1. What exactly happened in this SBI refund case?
SBI deducted ₹2655 as a personal loan processing fee, marked it as refunded in the PAPL account, but never credited it to the customer’s account.
2. Why is the processing fee refundable?
As per SBI’s loan policy, certain processing charges are refundable if conditions are met.
3. Where does the refund status show?
The refund status shows as processed in the PAPL account, but no actual adjustment is visible.
4. Why didn’t the refund reach the account?
It may be due to system errors, delayed settlements, or negligence.
5. How did SBI’s customer care handle the issue?
Instead of resolving it, they simply asked the complainant to visit the branch.
6. What is the role of customer care in such cases?
They should provide immediate tracking and resolution, not pass the responsibility.
7. Can SBI legally hold back such refunds?
No. If a refund is marked processed, SBI must ensure it is credited.
8. What consumer rights protect the complainant?
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 ensures customers get fair, timely redressal.
9. How can customers escalate SBI complaints?
- Raise a grievance on SBI’s official portal,
- Escalate to the RBI Banking Ombudsman,
- Publish the case on Choice4Voice.com for wider awareness.
10. What is the RBI Banking Ombudsman?
A body that handles customer service complaints against banks, including refund delays.
11. How common are SBI refund complaints?
Many customers report delayed refunds, EMI reversals, and fee disputes.
12. What documents are important to keep?
Loan account statement, refund record from PAPL, and communication logs with SBI.
13. Can compensation be claimed?
Yes, customers can seek refund + compensation for harassment through consumer courts.
14. Why does SBI ask customers to visit branches?
Often due to poor backend systems and lack of digital integration.
15. What risks do customers face with delayed refunds?
Loss of money, cash flow issues, and unnecessary stress.
16. Can legal action be taken?
Yes, the complainant can approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
17. Does this affect SBI’s reputation?
Yes. Even small unresolved cases create negative publicity and distrust.
18. How can SBI improve?
By ensuring faster digital refunds, accountability, and better-trained support staff.
19. How do private banks compare?
Private banks like HDFC and ICICI usually process refunds faster but may also face similar complaints.
20. How does Choice4Voice.com help?
By publishing consumer complaints, Choice4Voice.com ensures companies like SBI are pressured to resolve them quickly.
Final Note – How Choice4Voice.com Supports Consumers
This case of Pravat Kumar Barik vs. SBI shows how even small refunds can turn into big consumer struggles when customer service fails. A refund of ₹2655 may seem minor for a bank, but for the customer, it reflects trust, fairness, and accountability.
At Choice4Voice.com, we exist to:
- Give consumers a platform to raise unresolved complaints,
- Ensure that big institutions are held accountable,
- Amplify your voice by publishing cases publicly so they reach the right audience.
👉 If you have faced a similar issue with SBI or any other company, submit your complaint at Choice4Voice.com today. Together, we make sure your voice is heard and companies act responsibly.
