In an unusual move to recover loan, employees and officials of United Bank of India today staged a protest in front of a prominent super specialty hospital here, demanding repayment of dues worth about Rs 100 crore to the bank.
The protesters were picked up by the police from the spot -- Vikram Hospital -- and later let off.
"Bank employees were picked up and were let off later after warning them. They did not have any permission to stage a protest in front of the hospital," police said.
The bank officials said their Regional Head and Assistant General Managers were picked up by police.
"The hospital has to pay us (bank) a total of Rs 110 crore (towards) loan, they are not paying it. They are also stopping us from holding a peaceful protest in front of hospital demanding repayment," a bank official said.
He said despite giving multiple notices, the hospital was not responding properly.
Clarifying on its part, the hospital termed the bank's action as "unfortunate" saying talks with it were still underway and also the matter was in the court.
"The earlier owners of our hospital had taken loan from United Bank of India. When the new owners came in they had discussed with the bank and asked for restructuring of loan. They had said we will invest and turnaround the hospital and pay back the loan," Vikram Hospital CEO Sudir Pai told reporters here.
He said "The bank had agreed to it then, we had also made some payment, but due to some reasons restructuring is taking time. We are in dialogue with the bank on how to restructure and what is to be done."
"But, all of a sudden last week they said that all outstanding amount should be paid at one time...; while discussions were still on they told us they will stage a protest in front of the hospital and inform public about non-payment of dues," he added.
