A shocking incident of vandalism unfolded in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, where a young man attacked and smashed an SBI ATM with a hammer in the Ghasipura area—right in front of the local police station. The act left residents and passersby in disbelief.
According to initial reports, the youth, a resident of Talagaon near Ghasipura, flew into a rage after noticing ₹118 deducted from his bank account. Frustrated by the transaction, he allegedly decided to take matters into his own hands and targeted the ATM.
Eyewitnesses described how the enraged man repeatedly struck the ATM’s screen and glass panels with a hammer, reducing the machine to rubble within minutes.
“We heard a loud noise and raised an alarm. Soon, locals gathered, and the police arrived to detain him,” said a witness.
Another resident, who had come to withdraw cash, added, “I found the machine vandalized. Later, we learned that a youth was responsible.”
Youth Injured During the Attack
During the rampage, shards of broken glass injured the accused. Police personnel from the nearby station rushed to the scene, detained him, and ensured he received medical attention before taking him in for questioning.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the deduction was a bank error or a legitimate transaction. Meanwhile, locals have raised concerns about the security of banking infrastructure, questioning how such an act occurred in broad daylight near a police station.
SBI officials have been informed, and efforts are underway to restore ATM services. The police have assured strict action, emphasizing that such acts of destruction will not be tolerated.
