Thieves Steal Lakhs of Rupees from SBI ATM Using Gas Cutter in Jalandhar

Jalandhar, Punjab: A shocking theft took place near the Laddewali flyover late Friday night, where four thieves came in a white car around 1 AM and cut open an SBI ATM using a gas cutter. They managed to escape with cash worth lakhs of rupees. While it is believed that around ₹45 lakh was kept in the ATM, bank officials have not yet confirmed the exact amount stolen.

According to CCTV footage, the thieves arrived in a white car. They used a crowbar to break the shutter of the ATM from the bottom and entered inside. As soon as they were inside, they sprayed black paint on the machine and on the CCTV camera to hide their identities.

After disabling the security system, the thieves used a gas cutter to cut the part of the ATM where the cash is kept and took away the money. They also left behind the crowbar used to break the shutter.

The theft came to light the next morning at around 9 AM when nearby shopkeepers came to open their shops and noticed the broken ATM shutter and damaged machine. They immediately informed the police.

Teams from Rama Mandi Police Station and the CIA staff reached the spot and started investigating the case. CCTV footage from a nearby shop is being examined.

No Guard at ATM for 3 Years

Local residents revealed that there had been no security guard at this ATM for the last three years. A person named Puneet was responsible for opening and closing the shutter of the ATM every day. He used to shut it at 10:30 PM and open it again in the morning.

Police had earlier instructed all banks to post security guards at ATMs, but this was clearly not followed. The thieves took advantage of this negligence and carried out the theft easily.

Similar Incidents in the Past

This is not the first time such a crime has taken place.

• On May 6, 2025, an ATM in Deepnagar, Cantt was also robbed in a similar manner using a gas cutter. In that case, over ₹13 lakh was stolen, and the thieves had again used black spray paint on CCTV cameras.
• In 2021, several such incidents occurred in Jalandhar, with SBI ATMs being targeted repeatedly by what was then called the gas cutter gang.

Police Investigation

ADCP Akarshi Jain said that she was informed about the incident at 9:30 AM on Saturday. The police have registered a case and are in touch with SBI officials to get accurate details about the cash kept in the ATM.

Police are analyzing CCTV footage that captured images of four suspects. They are confident that the accused will be identified and arrested soon. A formal case has been filed at the Rama Mandi police station.