The United Commercial (UCO) Bank has set up India’s first unguarded bank at Shani Shinganapur village in Maharashtra. The village is best reputed for a temple to Lord Shani, which attracts nearly 5,000 people daily. A Bank official told the Times of India: “We took note of the general belief and faith of the people. Ever since the most revered temple came into existence several years ago, the village has not witnessed a single crime. In fact, all houses in the entire village have no doors. We took the risk and started the lockless bank.”
Not that the bank is entirely without protection. A local legislator Shankar Gadakh said, “People here fear that if there is a theft or robbery, then the culprit and their family have to bear the wrath of Lord Shani.” Bank officials are hedging some of their bets, just in case. While the bank doors will not be locked, a bank official said, “Adequate precautions are being taken for the safety of lockers and important documents.” |
Lord Shani Standing Guard
