If you had walked into what seemed like an ATM in Patna’s Danapur, you would have been surprised to find chairs, mirrors, and grooming tools instead of a cash dispenser. The State Bank of India’s former ATM had been converted into a fully operational barbershop, maintaining its ATM appearance from the outside. Despite the removal of the cash machine, the ATM branding and structure remained unchanged when the space was leased to a new tenant who turned it into a barbershop.
While the exterior retained its ATM kiosk look, the interior now offered services like haircuts, shaves, and hair coloring, causing confusion among visitors expecting cash withdrawals. Some found the situation amusing, while others left frustrated. Interestingly, locals in need of grooming services began utilizing this unique establishment without hesitation, blurring the lines between financial transactions and personal care.
The unconventional setup gained attention on social media as photos and videos of the site went viral, sparking amusement among viewers. The landlord, S.K. Singh, revealed that the bank removed the ATM due to unpaid rent and its non-functionality, failing to replace it despite the delay. This incident raised concerns about misleading signage and public inconvenience, prompting officials from the State Bank of India to remove the ATM branding after the matter gained widespread traction.
This incident sheds light on the repercussions of poor coordination between property owners, banks, and local authorities, resulting in bizarre yet sometimes humorous scenarios that can inconvenience the public.
