Cops look for missing bank employee who threatened suicide

The assumption arose from a message circulating on WhatsApp groups allegedly written by the banker in which she announced her decision to end her life

A bank employee from Borivli went missing with her 18-year-old son on Wednesday. The police are on the lookout for her as they fear that she may attempt suicide.

The assumption arose from a message circulating on WhatsApp groups allegedly written by the banker in which she announced her decision to end her life. (For representation)

The assumption arose from a message circulating on WhatsApp groups, which was allegedly written by the banker. She states that she has decided to end her life.

The Borivli police have registered missing persons complaint after Smita Budhkar, in her forties, and her teenage son Heet went missing from their apartment.

Budhkhar who works at a private bank had taken a loan of Rs13.35 lakh in 2001 and was to repay it in 240 instalments. “I have paid Rs18.4 lakh over ten years. In October, my husband passed away and as my financial condition was not good, I discussed the matter with the bank. I was asked to pay a certain amount in 2012, which will result in lesser amount of further instalments,” the message read. She said that she was contemplating ending her life owing to the harassment she was facing from bank officials regarding repayment of the loan.

“Once we find the woman, only then will we be able to establish the actual facts of the case. Currently, we are investigating with the help of the bank staff,” said Gunaji Sawant, senior inspector at the Borivli police station.

Officials said they have not been able to verify the authenticity of the threat.