In yet another attack on ATM security, unidentified thieves targeted a State Bank of India kiosk at Patankar Chowk, Jaripatka, and made away with ₹8.12 lakh in the early hours of Thursday.
The break-in was discovered around 2:30 am when Branch Manager Asim Akhtar Khaliq Ansari (43) received a call from ATM Channel Supervisor Prashant Pandey about suspicious activity. On reaching the spot, Ansari found the kiosk damaged and the cash missing.
Investigations revealed that three masked men had arrived in a silver car fitted with a fake number plate. Police later traced the original registration to a local resident’s vehicle, which was found untouched at its owner’s home, confirming that the gang had used a duplicate plate. The men reportedly cut open the ATM with a gas cutter and sprayed black paint on CCTV cameras inside the kiosk to conceal their identity, though external cameras managed to capture their movements. In their rush to escape, they even left behind a tray of ₹500 notes.
This is not the first time the kiosk has been looted. Two years ago, the same ATM was targeted, following which the police had flagged security gaps to the bank. Despite warnings, no security guard or alarm system had been deployed at the kiosk, making it an easy target once again.
Police suspect the involvement of an interstate gang and believe the culprits fled Nagpur soon after the crime. Jaripatka Police have registered a case and are coordinating with other districts while examining additional CCTV footage. Senior officers are monitoring the probe.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal to banks to improve ATM security by deploying guards and installing alarm systems, warning that continued lapses could lead to similar incidents in the future.
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