[Resolved]  Bikanervala — Mishandling with bank funds

Address:

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

This is with reference to the disappointing service of Bikanervala, Sahibabad that I faced on Saturday, 31st July 2010. After being a loyal customer, I was given the treatment of a beggar and nobody. I was like a customer pleading to be heard and understood, but nothing fructify.

On that unlucky evening of 31st July 2010, when I shopped for Rs 200 worth of sweets, I gave the biller my Citibank debit card to swipe. Happily, I came out unaware of what blunder has happened. Next day morning, Sunday 1st August 2010, I receive a message from my bank (CitiBank), which read that Rs 500 has been charged from account as activation charges. When I immediately called Citibank Customer Care, I was shocked to know that this is the error of Bikanervala because the biller, instead of choosing saving account chose current account. This resulted in activation of my overdraft facility. So, Rs 200 (for sweets) plus Rs 500 (Activation charges) plus tax of Rs 51.50 were deducted from my account. Over & above this, Rs 200 which was used from my overdraft is charged at hefty 18% which is levied on 1st day of every month.

Upon rushing to the Bikanervala, spoiling my weekend, I came to know that the Manager is not available & it was already 1pm in the clock. After a telephonic conversation from the Manager, I got the response that these kinds of manual errors do happen & Bikanervala, Sahibabad refunds the amount to the customer. He assured me that he can meet me after 6 pm. So, I went there again in evening. He started arguing with me justifying that he can comment on this only when he will see his weekly statement. I clarified him that he will see only Rs 200 which got credited in Bikanervala’s account. Extra Rs 500+51.50 = Rs 551.50 are deducted from our account as activation charges. So, he will not be seeing the transaction in his records. I also assured him that I can show him my statement and let him talk to my bank’s executive, which the Manager refused to do. Instead, he advised us to go to bank, take a written letter stating that it is Bikanervala’s fault. Now, I raise a question that on Sunday which bank will issue a letter to me. And even after that, why should I rush to different different places for my own money? After trying a lot to avoid & discard us & to save his fault from being open to public, he threw Rs 500 on my palm. Not to forget, still I was not paid extra amount of taxes (Rs 51.50). I know that it is a small amount, but this is my hard earned money after working for the whole month.

Needless to say, I want to say so much, but neither the medium is proper nor space is enough. So, I would appreciate you to please help me in dragging these kinds of illiterate billers and irresponsible managers who don’t know how to deal with a customer who is already paying hefty sum for their expensive services plus charged with these unjustified amounts due to somebody else’s manual error. I can’t go directly to a court as I am a small service class man who will not be able to afford a court with money and time.

I hope I will be heard of from this medium after failing to be heard in the unruly, money snatcher and fraud Bikanervala! I want justice from such kind of people who are making our nation corrupt, selfish & untrustworthy.