Karnataka: Bank Manager Locks Branch Gate, Forces Staff to Work Beyond Office Hours (Video)
A video showing a branch manager locking the main gates of a regional bank to prevent staff from leaving after standard hours has sparked widespread criticism online. The incident, which took place at the Arkalgud branch of the Karnataka Gramin Bank, has renewed public debate regarding workplace culture.
A branch manager at Karnataka Gramin Bank's Arkalgud branch has come under scrutiny after a video allegedly showed him locking the branch's main gate and preventing a customer service associate (clerk) from leaving after office hours. The video, which has gone viral on social media, has sparked criticism and renewed debate over employee working conditions and work culture in public sector banks.
Viral Video Shows Dispute Over Working Hours
According to the video, the incident occurred after the branch manager allegedly instructed the clerk to continue working beyond the scheduled office hours. When the employee reportedly objected, saying he had completed all assigned work and wished to leave, the manager allegedly locked the branch's main gate and insisted that he remain in the office until additional work was finished. Digital Arrest Scam in Bengaluru: Karnataka Police Bust International Digital Scam Targeting US Citizens, 16 Held.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage as Karnataka Gramin Bank Manager Locks Staff Inside Branch
The clerk recorded the interaction on his mobile phone. The footage has since circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from users over the manager's alleged conduct.
Manager Cites Overtime Compensation
The video also purportedly shows the branch manager telling the employee that he would be compensated for working beyond regular office hours. Under banking service rules, clerical staff may be required to work beyond prescribed hours in certain situations, subject to applicable regulations and overtime compensation. However, the incident has raised questions over whether employees can be compelled to remain at the workplace against their wishes. Karnataka BEd Exam Viral Video: Students Forced to Take Psychology Practical Amid Chaos, Sparks Massive Outrage.
Incident Renews Debate on Bank Work Culture
The viral video has once again brought attention to concerns surrounding work culture in public sector banks, where employee unions have frequently raised issues related to extended working hours, staff shortages and increasing operational pressure.
Employee representatives have long argued that regular late-night work can negatively affect the physical and mental well-being of bank staff and have called for stricter adherence to prescribed working hours.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2026 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).