An employee of RBL Bank, Dolly Kotak, has been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly trying to extort Rs 1 crore from her former partner by falsely accusing him of rape. The victim, an IT professional, claims that Kotak illegally accessed his financial data and got him jailed, forcing him to quit his job. The matter came to light when Kotak demanded Rs 1 crore from the victim’s sister in court in exchange for a no-objection certificate for his bail. She warned of dire consequences if her demands were not met.
Kotak allegedly accessed the victim’s personal and financial data with the help of bank employees. She removed the mobile number associated with his account and added her own, allowing her to receive his online banking details, GPS location history, and private photos. In May 2024, the victim received a threatening message from Kotak’s number, which read, “You will never win and will die in pain. Pay money or die in jail…” This harassment extended to his professional life, as Kotak emailed his employer’s human resources department, resulting in him being forced to resign under pressure.
The victim sought relief from the Borivali magistrate, who ordered the Charkop police to register an FIR under Section 175(3) of the Indian Civil Security Code. The police registered a case against Kotak and two others, Pramila Vas, an HDFC Bank employee, and Sagar Kotak. The victim claims that despite repeated refusals, Kotak continued to pressure him through frequent phone calls, eventually setting up a meeting at her lawyer’s office where she reiterated her extortion demand.
The case highlights the issue of data privacy and the misuse of power by bank employees. The victim’s experience is a disturbing example of how someone’s personal and financial data can be accessed and used to extort money. The arrest of Kotak and the registration of an FIR against her and others involved is a step towards justice for the victim. However, it also raises questions about the security measures in place at banks to prevent such misuse of data and the need for stricter laws to protect individuals from such harassment. The case is a reminder of the importance of protecting personal and financial data and the need for banks to ensure that their employees do not misuse their power.