Bidar: In a daring daylight robbery near the district collectorate on Thursday, two armed robbers on a bike fired six rounds at security personnel, killing one and injuring another. They then fled the scene with Rs 93 lakh cash that was supposed to be loaded into an SBI ATM.
The incident occurred around 10:30 am at the busy Shivaji Chowk when the cash loading team arrived to fill money into the ATM. One of the victims, identified as Giri Venkatesh, a security guard, was killed during the attack. The other guard sustained gunshot injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the robbers shot at the security personnel to overpower them before making off with the cash. Police quickly cordoned off the area around Shivaji Chowk and set up barricades on all roads leading to the location. They also formed multiple teams to track down the suspects.
Sources revealed that the robbers stole a cash chest containing Rs 93 lakh, which was meant for ATMs in the district headquarters. CCTV footage from the scene showed the robbers waiting for the cash loading team to arrive. As soon as the security personnel stepped out of their vehicle, the armed robbers, who were on a motorcycle, approached them and fired shots. The footage showed one of the security guards trying to fight off the robbers, but he collapsed after being shot, while the other guard attempted to stop the theft.
In the video, the robbers struggled to load the cash chest onto their getaway bike. The robber carrying the chest lost his balance due to the heavy weight of the cash, and his partner had to help him before they both fled the scene. As the robbers drove away, shocked onlookers rushed to help the injured security guards.
One witness captured a video showing the robbers escaping, with the wounded security guard writhing in pain on the ground. Reports suggest the robbers first threw chili powder at the guard before shooting him with a handgun.
The District Superintendent of Police (SP), Pradeep Gunte, along with Additional SP Chandrakanta Pujari and other senior officials, visited the scene to investigate. They are reviewing CCTV footage from the bank to gather more evidence. SP Gunte confirmed the incident, stating that the robbers had attacked the security personnel while they were depositing money at the ATM. He said the police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are waiting for the bank to confirm the exact amount of money stolen.
