A group of armed miscreants looted Rs 18 crore from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Ukhrul district, Manipur, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 5:47 PM IST when the bank manager and staff were closing the main gate after finishing their daily transactions.
Kuki militants looted Rs. 18.52 crores from Punjab National bank in Manipur's Ukhrul. pic.twitter.com/iDma7A4wWM
— Avinash K S🇮🇳 (@AvinashKS14) December 1, 2023
https://twitter.com/rupin1992/status/1730379941664137522?t=73xgv0fdR_EhVwxkAf83CQ&s=19
Details
The armed gang of around 10 persons entered the bank through an entrance used only by the staff. They overpowered the manager and the entire staff, including a security guard, and looted Rs 18 crore from the bank.
The gang was armed with AK rifles and was dressed in olive green, khaki uniforms, and tracksuits.
On 30.11.2023, unknown armed miscreants looted the Punjab National Bank, Ukhrul. Security forces have taken up all measures to nab the miscreants.
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) November 30, 2023
The bank manager, M Kumuni, stated that eight security personnel from the 6th MR were deployed at the bank, but not all were present when the heist occurred.
The gang’s escape route is yet to be determined as the footage from the CCTV cameras installed outside the bank is unavailable.
Ukhrul Police Station has registered a case in connection with the incident and will be questioning all bank staff and security personnel on Friday.
Additional Information
This is the third incident of bank loot in Manipur since ethnic clashes broke out on May 3, 2023. The Manipur State Co-operative Bank branch in Kangpokpi was looted in early May. Computers and other electronic items worth nearly Rs 1 crore were stolen.
In mid-May, cash and ornaments valued at over Rs 2.25 crore were found missing from an Axis Bank branch in Churachandpur district headquarters.
Investigation
The police are currently investigating the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. They are also urging anyone with information to come forward.
