In a surprising turn of events, a video posted by journalist Gagandeep Singh on social media platform X has gone viral, showing three men sleeping inside an air-conditioned ATM of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Patiala. The footage has sparked a lively conversation online, highlighting the severity of the current heatwave and raising questions about public space use and security.
The video, captioned “Scorching Heat Drives People to Seek Shelter in Bank ATM-#Patiala,” depicts the men sleeping comfortably on the floor of the ATM, seemingly unaware of their surroundings. As a small crowd forms outside, reactions to the video have been mixed, reflecting a range of concerns and opinions.
Scorching Heat Drives People to Seek Shelter in Bank ATM – #Patiala pic.twitter.com/7mFDUc8ZUZ
— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) June 11, 2024
Some social media users have expressed empathy for the men, noting the extreme temperatures that have driven them to seek refuge in the air-conditioned kiosk. “Let them sleep!” commented one user, acknowledging the intense heat and limited public cooling options.
Conversely, others have raised concerns about security and the appropriateness of using bank facilities in this manner. One user questioned, “Where is your ATM security guard? These drunkards are lying inside, if a woman needs to withdraw money then how will she go? Please take cognizance of the incident and take strict action @TheOfficialSBI @RBI.” This sentiment was echoed by several other users, who called for increased security measures and the presence of guards to ensure the safety and accessibility of the ATM for all patrons.
SBI was quick to respond to the video, issuing a statement that read, “We regret the inconvenience caused to you. Please share with us the ATM ID/CDM ID or exact location and code/name of the nearest branch to locate that ATM/CDM so that our concerned team can take proper cognizance of the issue.” The bank’s response indicates an intention to address the incident and possibly implement additional security measures.
The situation has also drawn attention to the broader issue of infrastructure and resource management in Punjab. “Punjab govt should take action to supply proper electricity during extreme heat. PSPCL have no plan,” tweeted one user, criticizing the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for inadequate planning and provision of electricity during heatwaves.
As the video continues to circulate, it has also prompted some users to tag the official account of the Punjab Police, urging them to investigate and manage the situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many during extreme weather conditions and the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure public safety and comfort.
As temperatures continue to soar, it remains to be seen how authorities will address both the immediate issue of security at ATMs and the broader challenge of providing relief to residents during extreme heatwaves. For now, the conversation sparked by this viral video underscores the pressing need for effective measures to support those most vulnerable to the harsh climate.
