Betrayal of Trust: What happens when the person entrusted with care and compassion becomes the source of betrayal? In a disturbing case from Behala, a domestic caregiver has been accused of withdrawing money from the joint bank account of her deceased employers, months after their deaths. The case not only raises questions about trust in caregiving arrangements but also throws light on loopholes in banking vigilance and the vulnerabilities of elderly citizens.
A Family’s Grief and Shocking Discovery
The incident came to light when the daughter-in-law of the deceased family members, still reeling from successive personal losses, noticed unusual withdrawals from a public-sector bank account. According to police, her mother-in-law had passed away in 2020, followed by her husband in January 2023. Despite these deaths, account activity continued till as late as November 2023, suggesting that the caregiver, who had lived with the family and served them for seven years, allegedly continued accessing the funds.
The discovery was devastating. For years, the caregiver had been a familiar presence in the household—feeding, cleaning, and tending to the family’s needs. In return, she was provided food, lodging, and wages. That bond, however, now appears tainted by betrayal.
Police Investigation and FIR Trail
The first complaint was filed as a ‘zero FIR’ at Malipanchghora police station in Howrah in August, a move often used when jurisdiction is unclear but authorities want to ensure prompt registration. The case was then formally transferred to the Parmashree police station in Kolkata for further investigation.
Officials are now probing how the withdrawals were carried out, what documentation was used, and whether any collusion with banking staff was involved. According to investigators, the withdrawals may have been made through ATM usage or direct cheque transactions—both of which should have been flagged once death certificates were issued and submitted to the bank.
For reference, under the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines on deceased account holders (RBI official site), banks are required to freeze the account upon receiving proof of death. The fact that withdrawals allegedly continued for months indicates a serious lapse in procedure.
Banking Vulnerabilities and Legal Grey Zones
Banking experts point out that joint accounts are often created by families to simplify access during medical emergencies. In many cases, elderly citizens add trusted individuals—sometimes even long-term caregivers—as joint holders or nominees. While this may seem practical, it opens up risks when safeguards are weak.
In India, fraudulent withdrawal after a person’s death can attract charges under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 379 (Theft) – wrongful taking of property.
- Section 406 (Criminal breach of trust) – misuse of entrusted property.
- Section 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).
If proven, the accused could face imprisonment of up to seven years.
Similar Precedents
Financial exploitation of the elderly is not new. Studies by the National Institute of Social Defence (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) indicate that elder abuse in India often includes financial manipulation, coercion to transfer property, or misuse of pension accounts.
In Mumbai, a 2019 case revealed that a domestic help siphoned lakhs of rupees using ATM cards of her bedridden employer. In Delhi, several instances of property being transferred under duress have been reported, showing that such cases span across urban India where dependence on caregivers is growing.
Betrayal of Trust: Emotional Fallout
For the family in Behala, the betrayal cut deeper than financial loss. “It feels like being robbed twice—first by fate, then by someone we trusted like family,” a relative confided to police.
Psychologists note that such incidents intensify grief. Dr. Shyamali Basu, a Kolkata-based counselor, explains that betrayal trauma often leaves survivors with heightened anxiety and trust issues, especially in families already coping with eldercare stress.
The Caregiver’s Perspective
While investigations are ongoing, some social workers caution against painting all caregivers with the same brush. Many women working as home attendants in Kolkata come from extremely vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. Poorly paid, often without contracts, and working around the clock, some are tempted to misuse access.
“This is not to justify the crime,” says a representative from the All India Domestic Workers’ Union (National Platform for Domestic Workers), “but to highlight the need for formal employment structures, background checks, and accountability. If families and agencies rely solely on informal trust, such lapses will repeat.”
Preventive Measures Families Must Adopt
Experts recommend a set of safeguards for families employing caregivers:
- Avoid joint accounts with non-family members. Instead, set up separate caretaker allowances.
- Use power of attorney carefully, with expiry clauses and strict oversight.
- Monitor bank statements monthly. Even small withdrawals should be verified.
- Register a nominee and update banking records regularly.
- Immediately notify banks of a death by submitting the death certificate and request freezing of accounts.
- Consider insurance-backed eldercare services rather than purely informal arrangements.
The RBI’s 2021 circular on consumer awareness (RBI consumer education) emphasizes the role of families in preventing fraud by staying proactive.
Larger Social Picture
India’s population is aging, with over 138 million senior citizens as per Census 2011—a number expected to double by 2050. Many live alone or with limited family support, particularly in metropolitan areas where children work abroad. This creates a vacuum often filled by hired caregivers.
Sociologists argue that while the demand for caregivers is rising, regulation of the caregiving sector remains almost absent. Unlike nursing staff in hospitals, domestic attendants work without licenses or verification protocols. This exposes both families and caregivers to risk—of exploitation, abuse, or false allegations.
Current Status of the Case
As of now, Kolkata Police are scrutinizing the bank records and have questioned the caregiver. They are also seeking to determine whether the bank should be held accountable for not acting on account-holder deaths. Investigators have hinted that forensic audits of withdrawals may be conducted to track ATM footage and signatures.
The accused, if proven guilty, could face both criminal charges and civil recovery proceedings.
Conclusion
This case from Behala is a reminder of the fragile balance between trust and oversight in caregiving arrangements. Families grieving their loved ones should not have to battle fraud in addition to emotional loss. At the same time, the incident underlines the urgent need for banking vigilance, better regulation of caregiving services, and greater financial awareness among citizens.
Safeguards, empathy, and systemic accountability together may prevent such heartbreaking betrayals in the future.
🔗 External References for Readers:
- Reserve Bank of India Guidelines on Deceased Accounts: RBI official portal
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment – Elderly Welfare: socialjustice.gov.in
- National Platform for Domestic Workers: npdw.org
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