Around the early 90s, this unfortunate event occurred at a rural bank branch in Bengaluru, near my workplace. The state-run, small-category branch, which must remain unnamed, had a staff complement of five, comprising two officers, clerks, and a single attendant. But there was no security guard.
Back in the day, unreliable public transport meant the employees had to find a ride or use their trusty two-wheelers. Besides, the branch was far from the city, causing an early departure from the house and a late return.
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Much like the others, this branch opened at 10:30 in the morning and closed for business at 2:30 pm. The branch accountant usually stayed late to balance the books of accounts. However, that day, he requested leave to leave the branch early so he could attend a family member’s wedding. He was a workaholic who never took breaks or asked for permission, but the outcome was a surprise.
The unacknowledged rule was to shut off the electricity before the day finished. But the accountant hurriedly said goodbye and hurried to the wedding without switching off the lights. However, the Manager, face hidden behind the file, was busy poring over the papers and didn’t notice his deputy leaving. But while the night was still young, the Manager also put away his pen.
With the lights in the accountant’s room still lit, the branch head figured his deputy was still around. However, he made a huge mistake by not double-checking and hastily left, exposing the branch to risk.
The watchman assigned to the factory nearby noticed the lights flickering in the branch and the main door remaining open late into the night. His curiosity was piqued, so he decided to investigate, but he was taken aback by what he found—not a single person in sight.
In a hurry, he scribbled the RM’s landline number, visible in the banking hall, onto a piece of paper and raced back to the factory, waking the RM from his slumber by relaying the startling news over the phone. A car showed up at the branch after an hour and a half. The RM had come with his group to survey the situation and stay awake in the late hours, filled with worry.
When the branch opened the next day, the RM stood at the door with a smirk and the ‘transfer orders’ to the wrongdoers. Severely reprimanding the branch officials for their reckless behaviour, the head honcho gave them their ‘marching orders’ and sent them to an isolated place. In a few days, their replacements had gone through the protocols and were ready to take charge of the branch. The oversight had a hefty price tag for the pair, resulting in them missing out on salary increases and advancements. The blunder followed them for the entirety of their careers.
However, the vigilant factory guard saved the day, and if the entrance had remained ajar, the area might have become vulnerable to robbers. The bank congratulated him for his quick thinking and for demonstrating extraordinary qualities of intellect and kindness. Unfortunately, we have become so wrapped up in a never-ending cycle that we don’t have time to help each other. We need more good Samaritans.
