Another Banker, Another Tragic Story—But Will Anyone Care?
⚠ Trigger Warning: Sensitive Content
This content contains references to suicide and mental health struggles, which may be distressing for some readers. If you are struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. You are not alone, and support is available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a crisis helpline in your area. Your well-being matters.
Banking jobs were once considered stable, secure, and respectable. Today, they have become a mental battlefield where extreme pressure, unrealistic targets, and job insecurity are destroying lives.
The recent shocking case from Varanasi proves this yet again. Sunil Kumar Mishra, an employee of IDFC Bank, set himself on fire after losing his job. His crime? Alleged negligence—a reason that, let’s be honest, is often just a convenient excuse used by management.
This isn’t an isolated case. How many more bankers need to suffer before we finally address the mental health crisis in this profession? Let’s talk about the real problem banks don’t want to admit.
The Case of Sunil Kumar Mishra – What Really Happened?
- Sunil Kumar Mishra, an employee of IDFC Bank in Varanasi, was fired from his job.
- His branch head, Ranvijay Singh, allegedly terminated him for “negligence.”
- Overcome with despair, Sunil poured petrol on himself near Ravindrapuri Marg and set himself on fire.
- Thankfully, bystanders acted quickly, saving him and rushing him to the hospital.
- He was later discharged, but the mental scars of this incident will never heal.
Question: What kind of work environment pushes a banker to such extremes? Is this really just about job loss, or is the system itself broken?
The Harsh Truth: Job Insecurity is Destroying Bankers’ Lives
For years, we were told “Government banks are safe, but private banks are risky.” But today? Even PSU bank employees are scared of job cuts, branch closures, and forced transfers.
Here’s what’s happening in the industry:
- Private banks are firing employees without warning.
- PSU banks are pushing for VRS (Voluntary Retirement Schemes), forcing employees to quit.
- Internal politics & favoritism decide promotions—performance doesn’t matter anymore.
Sunil Kumar’s case is proof of what happens when management treats employees as disposable. If this can happen to him, it can happen to any banker, any day.
The Toxic Culture of Banking: No Mental Health Support, Just Pressure
Let’s be real—who actually cares about bankers’ mental health?
- HR? No, they work for management.
- Unions? No, they’re busy in politics.
- Colleagues? They’re struggling with their own problems.
- Managers? They only care about targets.
When you’re overloaded with work, humiliated for missing targets, and scared of losing your job, who do you turn to? Most bankers suffer in silence until it’s too late.
And when someone like Sunil Kumar takes an extreme step, banks just move on like nothing happened.
What Should Bankers Do to Protect Themselves?
If you’re a banker, you can’t wait for banks to fix the system—you have to take charge of your own financial & mental stability.
1. Build a Second Source of Income
- Your job is not secure—accept this fact now.
- Start a side hustle, freelancing, or content creation to create a backup plan.
- Learn AI, automation, or financial consultancy—these skills can help you escape the rat race.
2. Save an Emergency Fund (Minimum 6 Months’ Salary)
- Most bankers live paycheck to paycheck. If you lose your job today, how long can you survive?
- Keep at least 6 months of savings so that you’re never fully dependent on your employer.
3. Seek Help Before It’s Too Late
- If you’re feeling extreme stress or hopelessness, talk to someone.
- Don’t let workplace pressure make you believe you are alone.
- Join support groups, talk to ex-bankers, or seek professional help if needed.
4. Know Your Rights – Don’t Let Management Exploit You
- If you’re being forced to resign unfairly, document everything.
- Don’t sign any termination letter without legal advice.
- If termination seems unjust, challenge it legally.
Final Thoughts: How Many More Bankers Before This Industry Wakes Up?
Sunil Kumar was lucky to survive, but many don’t. Bankers are not machines. They are human beings with families, responsibilities, and emotions.
How many more suicides, breakdowns, and destroyed careers will it take before banking institutions take responsibility?
But until that happens, protect yourself. Your employer won’t save you, your bank won’t fight for you. But YOU can take charge of your own mental health and financial freedom.
And if you want a community where bankers actually support each other, share real insights, and talk about the things banks don’t want you to know—join the Bankpediaa Hub WhatsApp Channel now.
📌 Stay informed. Stay ahead. Stay safe.
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