MCC Bank Chairman arrested for abetment to suicide

The deceased person identified as Manohar Pereira from Permanki village in Ulaibettu had accused MCC Bank Chairman Anil Lobo of being responsible for forcing him to take an extreme step to end his life.

Mangaluru: Mangaluru Rural Police arrested MCC (Mangalore Catholic Co-operative) Bank Limited Chairman Anil Lobo on the charges of abetment of suicide on Wednesday.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal said a 47 year- old ended his life by suicide at home on Tuesday.

The deceased person identified as Manohar Pereira from Permanki village in Ulaibettu had accused MCC Bank Chairman Anil Lobo of being responsible for forcing him to take the extreme step to end his life.

Before committing suicide Manohar had recorded a video and shared it via WhatsApp. Manohar was residing with his elder brother, Melburn Pereira, in a house purchased around 10 years ago with loan availed from MCC Bank. Due to financial difficulties during the Covid-19 period, Melburn Pereira could not repay the loan installments and the house was seized by the bank two years ago.

As a result, Manohar suffered from depression and had suffered heart attacks on two occasions. Later in February 2023, Sister Christine from a charitable organisation transferred Rs 15 lakh to Manohar's bank account. Using the money, Manohar in coordination with MCC Bank's president Anil Lobo attempted to clear the loan and take re-possession of the house.

It is alleged that despite repayment efforts, Anil Lobo reportedly withdrew Rs nine lakh from the deceased's account using a self-cheque. Consequently, the outstanding loan amount remained unpaid, leading to further mental distress for the deceased. The house was handed over to the family around six months ago.

Based on a complaint filed by the brother of the deceased, a case was registered at Mangaluru Rural Police Station under Section 108 of the BNS. The commissioner said that investigation is in progress to verify the allegations and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

MCC Bank clarifies

In a clarification, MCC Bank said; “An individual had availed a loan from MCC Bank and after failing to repay it the bank had initiated recovery as under the law.

Additionally, an opportunity was provided for the borrower to repay the loan with a concession on interest. But the borrower failed to repay the loan. The borrower had been managing his savings account on a personal basis without any interference. There is an attempt to tarnish the names of the Bank chairman and the bank unnecessarily. The public and bank customers are advised not to pay attention to the misleading statements circulating on social media.”