Thief Tried to Rob Punjab National Bank to Impress his Girlfriend, Gets Caught by Police
Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh – In a surprising case, Barabanki police have caught Shahid Khan, a man who tried to rob the main branch of Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Barabanki. When questioned, Khan revealed an unusual reason behind his attempted crime: he wanted to steal money to buy expensive gifts for his Canadian girlfriend, whom he met on Instagram. His plan to impress his online girlfriend led him to the bank, but he ultimately failed to take anything of value.
Motivated by Romance and Social Media
During police questioning, Khan admitted that he was driven by a desire to impress one of his three girlfriends. “I have a girlfriend in Canada, and I wanted to gift her something really expensive to show my love,” Khan shared. Unable to afford the gifts he wanted, he decided that robbing a bank would help him get the money he needed.
Detailed Planning and a Failed Attempt
Khan prepared for the heist by observing the bank carefully. On October 30, he sat near the bank and took note of its surroundings. He realized the bank would be closed for five days due to Diwali celebrations and saw this as a perfect chance to commit the robbery. He returned on Diwali night, equipped with tools, and attempted to break in.
Initially, Khan tried to open the main door by breaking its lock. When this didn’t work, he tried cutting through the door’s roller shutter with a grinder, but even this failed to let him in. Eventually, he found a way in through a back door and entered the bank.
Empty-Handed Search for Cash
Once inside, Khan began looking around for cash. However, despite a thorough search, he couldn’t find any money lying around. Determined to get something, he attempted to break open the locker but found it too difficult. Frustrated and empty-handed, he left the bank after causing some minor damage to the property.
Discovery of the Break-In and Police Response
When bank employees arrived on Monday morning after the holiday break, they were shocked to find the main door and a side door broken, with bits of cement and plaster on the ground. The bank, located on the top floor of a two-story building in the busy Indira Market, is surrounded by shops that stay open late. After noticing the damage, the employees immediately informed the police.
City Officer Sumit Tripathi and Sadar Officer Harshit Chauhan, along with officers from multiple police units and the crime branch, reached the bank. They began investigating the incident and reviewed CCTV footage from the bank and nearby shops to identify the suspect.
Lack of Security at the Bank Made Break-In Easier
One of the key factors in the incident was the absence of a security guard at the bank during the night. The lack of security may have made it easier for Khan to attempt the break-in without fear of getting caught. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage carefully in hopes of identifying if there were any other suspects or accomplices involved.
Statements from Police Officials
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) North, Chiranjeevi Nath Sinha, confirmed that the bank manager reported the attempted robbery. He explained that senior police officers, along with specialized units like the Special Operations Group (SOG), surveillance teams, and a dog squad, were involved in the investigation to bring the case to a quick conclusion.
Investigation Ongoing, with Security Measures Under Review
The police have registered a formal case and assigned five special teams to investigate the incident thoroughly. Fortunately, no money or valuables were taken from the bank, and only minor damage was caused. Authorities are committed to resolving the case and ensuring that all banks in the area are secure, especially during long holiday breaks when they might be more vulnerable to break-ins.This incident highlights the need for better security measures at banks, including night-time guards and surveillance, to prevent similar attempts in the future.
