HT Correspondent
DALGAON, March 17: A persistent cash shortage in parts of Assam has intensified in Darrang district ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, leaving residents struggling to access physical currency from banks, ATMs and Customer Service Points (CSPs). This comes amid reports of heightened festive demand, while a related incident in nearby Udalguri district highlights vulnerabilities in cash-handling infrastructure.
In Darrang, including areas like Mangaldoi, Kharupetia, Bechimari, Dalgaon and other major towns, locals have reported widespread empty ATMs and banks unable to dispense cash for several days. Many have been compelled to travel to bordering or neighbouring districts in search of operational machines or cash availability. The crisis has forced a rapid shift to digital alternatives, with widespread use of UPI for market purchases, vendor payments and daily transactions. However, challenges persist for those without reliable smartphone access, internet connectivity or linked accounts, particularly affecting elderly residents and remote rural communities.
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The timing coincides with Eid-ul-Fitr preparations, when cash is traditionally needed for shopping, zakat distribution and family celebrations. Similar issues have been noted in other parts of Assam, severely impacting schemes like Orunodoi. While no official Eid-specific statement addresses Darrang directly, the festive surge in demand appears to have compounded existing replenishment and logistical hurdles in rural banking networks.
Compounding public frustration, an attempted burglary occurred late Saturday night at an SBI branch/ATM in Koupati under Udalguri district, adjacent to Darrang. Thieves broke into the premises and damaged the ATM in an effort to access cash but escaped without any loot after finding the machine empty. Police responded promptly, registering a case and launching a search for the perpetrators, including a forensic examination of the site for clues such as tools or potential CCTV evidence.
Authorities are investigating whether the failed heist is related to the broader cash scarcity, as low or zero cash stocking, possibly due to replenishment delays, may have inadvertently thwarted the attempt. No arrests have been reported yet and SBI officials are assessing the damage and any service disruptions at the branch.
