Bidar (Karnataka) (PTI): A case has been registered against an ATM Channel Manager of the SBI for allegedly misusing his official position to fraudulently withdraw and misappropriate funds to the tune of Rs 1.25 crore from a branch account, police said on Thursday.

The accused, Praveen Kumar, who was working as an ATM Channel Manager at the SBI Bidar Regional Office, was deputed to the State Bank of India (SBI) Humnabad branch during the relevant period.

According to police sources, he is absconding.

The case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the Branch Manager of SBI Humnabad, K L Ranganath.

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"The accused with the intention of cheating, being a public servant, misused his official authority and unauthorisedly debited Rs 1.25 crore from the SBI branch account, wrote fake vouchers in the names of other customers, made them appear as genuine, committed breach of trust, and cheated the bank,” the FIR said.

Ranganath stated that he has been serving at the branch since July 2023.

The accused was responsible for overseeing the functioning of SBI ATMs and was routinely deputed to various branches in Bidar district whenever cash officers or other officials were on leave.

During his deputation to the SBI Humnabad branch, the accused allegedly withdrew Rs 15 lakh in cash from the branch account, apart from making unauthorised debits amounting to Rs 1.25 crore, the FIR added.

His activities started from August 31, 2024 to November 29, 2025.

Based on the complaint, the Humnabad Police Station registered a case of cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust.

Police said an investigation has been taken up and further details will emerge during the probe.

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Lucknow: Shortly after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of severe weather conditions in the region, a sudden thunderstorm hit Lucknow and adjoining districts on Monday morning.

The Indian Express reported that the skies turned dark around 8:45 am as strong winds lashed parts of the city. Incidents of tree falls were reported from several locations, disrupting traffic and normal movement.

The weather department said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely to continue over the next three hours across several districts.

A red alert has been issued for districts including Unnao, Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti and Lakhimpur Kheri, where moderate thunderstorms with hail and strong winds may damage trees, power lines and temporary structures.

An orange alert is in place for Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kanpur Nagar, Ayodhya, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Shahjahanpur and Balrampur, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 60 kmph could lead to localised disruptions.

Major parts of the state remains under yellow alert, including districts such as Prayagraj, Agra, Bareilly, Aligarh and Moradabad, where light rain, lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected.

Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas and trees during lightning, and secure loose objects.