New India Cooperative Bank Scam: Bollywood Actress' NPA Loan Settlement Under EOW Investigation in Rs 122 Crore Case

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is probing the ₹122 crore New India Cooperative Bank scam, has sought details of Non-Performing Asset (NPA) accounts dating back to 2010. During the investigation, it was found that a well-known Bollywood actress was among the individuals whose accounts had turned into NPAs. However, her loan was later settled.

According to EOW sources, the actress had taken a loan of ₹18 crore from New India Cooperative Bank on January 7, 2011. By March 31, 2013, the loan had turned into an NPA due to non-repayment. Under banking norms, a loan is classified as an NPA when the borrower fails to make payments for a prolonged period. The investigation was initiated following a complaint by Matunga-based activist Sachidanand Shetty, who alleged that the bank had sanctioned loans worth ₹400 crore in violation of regulations. It was claimed that several of these loans were given to individuals with a poor repayment history. Based on the complaint, the EOW wrote to the bank seeking details of NPA accounts from 2010 onwards.

Recently, the EOW received information regarding these NPA accounts, which are now being examined by a forensic auditor. Among them was the loan file of the actress, which revealed that while she eventually repaid her dues, the bank had given her a waiver of ₹73 lakh. As per EOW officials, the actress’ loan of ₹18 crore, sanctioned in January 2011, had an outstanding due of ₹11.47 crore when it turned NPA in March 2013. After negotiations, on April 5, 2014, she paid ₹10.74 crore, benefiting from a discount of ₹73 lakh.

The EOW has stated that if any irregularities are found in the sanctioning of loans—such as violations of banking rules or involvement of kickbacks—a fresh FIR will be registered. At present, the case is still at the Preliminary Inquiry (PE) stage. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining whether similar concessions were granted to other defaulters.