In a daring incident, miscreants looted an ATM of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Gwalior’s Anand Nagar area, Bahodapur, during the early hours of Friday. The crime occurred around 3:15 am when a group of 4-5 individuals arrived in a white car, cut open the ATM with a gas cutter, and escaped with ₹15 lakh in just 17 minutes.
Details of the Incident
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akhilesh Rainwal, the ATM, located in a building owned by Anil Sikarwar, contained ₹15 lakh at the time of the theft. CCTV footage revealed that the criminals first sprayed black paint on the ATM’s camera to avoid identification. They then used a hand-operated gas cutter to break open the ATM chassis and steal the cash.
The entire operation was executed swiftly and methodically. Despite a local resident noticing suspicious activity and alerting the police via Dial 100, the miscreants managed to flee the scene before the authorities arrived.
Similar to Mewati Gang’s Modus Operandi
Police suspect the method used resembles the style of Haryana’s notorious Mewati gang, known for similar ATM robberies. However, investigators are also considering the involvement of Saharanpur’s Wahid gang, which has been linked to another ATM heist of ₹9 lakh in Dabra earlier this month.
Police Response and Investigation
Police teams rushed to the location after receiving the Dial 100 call but were unable to apprehend the suspects. Investigations have revealed that bank employees had filled the ATM with cash on Thursday evening, just hours before the robbery.
Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the criminals and their vehicle. Efforts are underway to trace the gang involved and recover the stolen money. The incident has raised concerns over the security of ATMs in the area, with residents urging banks and authorities to enhance surveillance and protective measures.
