Customer SK Mijanur Islam accuses IndusInd Bank of unlawfully freezing his account without valid police or cybercrime orders. Choice4Voice.com highlights the complaint, potential legal actions, and how victims can seek justice.
Complaint Summary : IndusInd Bank Complaint: Customer Alleges Unlawful Account Freeze Without Authority
Details | Information |
---|---|
Complainant Name | SK Mijanur Islam |
MI*****@gmail.com | |
79*****10 | |
Complaint Type | Account Freeze |
Company/Brand | IndusInd Bank |
Product/Service | Bank Account Freeze |
Order No / Service No | 33702240009526 |
Issue Description | IndusInd Bank allegedly froze the complainant’s account citing police and cybercrime orders. Both authorities later denied issuing such instructions. Despite providing proof from Telangana Cybercrime officials, the account remains frozen. |
Date of Incident | 2 September 2024 |
Company’s Response | Bank claims it has not received unfreeze mail |
Additional Comments | Complainant seeks urgent resolution and account restoration. |
Detailed Complaint Report
SK Mijanur Islam has raised a serious grievance against IndusInd Bank for allegedly freezing his bank account without valid legal instructions.
- Initially, the bank claimed the freeze order came from Taltola Police Station.
- When the complainant visited the police, officials confirmed they do not freeze victim accounts.
- The bank then issued another letter claiming the freeze was directed by Telangana Cybercrime authorities.
- On contacting Telangana Cybercrime, officials denied issuing any such instruction.
- On 02 September 2024, a conversation between IndusInd Bank’s nodal principal officer and a Telangana Cybercrime Sub-Inspector confirmed that no freeze order was issued.
Despite providing this clarification, IndusInd Bank allegedly refused to unfreeze the account. The complainant has been left without access to his own funds and has suffered severe inconvenience.
This raises critical concerns about customer rights, misuse of authority, and transparency in banking operations.
Legal Remedies Available
If IndusInd Bank does not resolve this complaint, multiple legal avenues are open for the complainant.
Applicable Laws & Provisions
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Banking services fall under the definition of “service.”
- Unlawful freezing of a customer’s account qualifies as deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
- A case can be filed before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Banking Ombudsman Scheme
- RBI permits freezing only on valid regulatory or judicial orders.
- False claims of police or cybercrime orders violate RBI Master Circular on Customer Service.
- Complaint can be filed with RBI Banking Ombudsman.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Section 316 (Cheating) – Misleading a customer by citing false authorities.
- Section 337 (Criminal Breach of Trust) – Wrongfully withholding access to funds.
- Section 356 (Forgery / Misrepresentation by Public Servant/Authority) if fake orders were fabricated.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended)
- If digital fraud or unauthorized cyber instructions were cited falsely, the case may fall under Section 66 (Computer-related offenses).
- Constitutional Rights – Article 300A
- Every citizen has the right to property, which includes bank deposits. Arbitrary freezing without authority is unconstitutional.
Choice4Voice.com’s Role
At Choice4Voice.com, featuring this complaint is the first step for public awareness and to ensure accountability.
If IndusInd Bank fails to resolve the issue promptly:
- Choice4Voice.com will file this case under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 before the District Consumer Forum.
- A representation will also be sent to the RBI Banking Ombudsman to initiate regulatory action.
- Depending on evidence, we will also assist in filing a criminal complaint under BNS provisions for cheating and breach of trust.
- If required, the matter can be escalated to the High Court under Writ Jurisdiction (Article 226) for violation of constitutional rights.
Choice4Voice.com will support the complainant in every legal step until resolution.
What Customers Should Do in Similar Cases
- Always ask the bank for written freeze instructions citing the exact authority name and order number.
- Verify with the police/cybercrime authority before accepting the bank’s explanation.
- If denied, immediately escalate to RBI Ombudsman.
- File a Consumer Forum case for mental harassment and financial loss.
- Preserve all communication letters, emails, call recordings as evidence.
FAQs on IndusInd Bank Account Freezing Issues
Q1. Can a bank freeze an account without customer notice?
No. Banks can freeze only with valid regulatory/judicial instructions and must notify customers with reasons.
Q2. Who has the authority to instruct a bank to freeze an account?
Police (with FIR), Cybercrime cell (with written order), Courts, or Enforcement Directorate—not bank staff arbitrarily.
Q3. What is the RBI guideline on freezing bank accounts?
RBI mandates that banks must act only on genuine written orders and inform customers in writing.
Q4. What legal action can I take if my account is frozen without authority?
You can file cases under Consumer Protection Act, RBI Ombudsman, and criminal provisions of BNS.
Q5. How soon must a bank unfreeze an account after receiving clarification?
Immediately any delay amounts to deficiency in service and harassment.
Q6. Can I claim compensation for wrongful freezing of my account?
Yes. Consumer Forums often award compensation for harassment, financial loss, and litigation costs.
Q7. What if the bank blames technical issues for freezing?
That is not a valid excuse. Banks must ensure customer access unless a lawful order mandates otherwise.
Q8. Can I approach the High Court in such matters?
Yes. If constitutional rights are violated, you can file a writ petition under Article 226.
Q9. Does this affect my credit score?
Yes. If linked loans or ECS mandates fail due to freezing, it can damage credit reports.
Q10. Can RBI penalize a bank for arbitrary freezing?
Yes. RBI can impose heavy penalties and direct compensation.
Q11. Can I get interest on the blocked amount?
Yes. Courts and consumer forums can award interest + damages.
Q12. What documents should I collect before filing a complaint?
Freeze notice, police/cybercrime denial letters, bank responses, and call recordings.
Q13. Which forum should I approach first?
Start with RBI Ombudsman, then proceed to Consumer Forum if unresolved.
Q14. Can cybercrime freeze victim’s account?
No. Cybercrime freezes suspect accounts, not victim accounts.
Q15. What compensation can I realistically expect?
Refund of blocked amount, statutory interest, GST penalties reimbursement, and damages for harassment.
Q16. How long does a Consumer Forum case take?
On average, 6–18 months depending on case load.
Q17. Can I also file criminal case against bank staff?
Yes, if they knowingly issued false claims or forged letters.
Q18. Which authority regulates IndusInd Bank?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Q19. Can I escalate to SEBI or IRDAI?
No, those regulate securities and insurance. For banks, only RBI is authority.
Q20. How will Choice4Voice.com help further?
By documenting, publishing, escalating to regulators, and filing legal actions on behalf of complainants.
Final Note
The freezing of SK Mijanur Islam’s account by IndusInd Bank without any valid authority raises serious concerns about accountability and misuse of banking powers.
Choice4Voice.com has taken the first step by featuring this complaint publicly. If IndusInd Bank does not resolve the issue, Choice4Voice.com will escalate this matter legally to Consumer Forum, RBI, and criminal courts.
This case is a reminder that every consumer has the right to demand transparency, fairness, and legal remedies against arbitrary corporate actions.