Nabarangpur, July 24 (UDN): An automated teller machine (ATM) of the State Bank of India (SBI) was allegedly looted by unidentified miscreants in Odisha’s Umarkot town after they cut open the cash vault using a gas cutter, police said on Friday.
The incident took place at an SBI ATM kiosk located on Kondagaon Road, where the accused are suspected to have struck during the night before fleeing with the cash stored inside the machine.
The crime came to light early Friday morning after local residents noticed the ATM in a damaged condition and alerted the police.
ATM Vault Cut Open
Preliminary investigation suggests that the burglars entered the ATM kiosk under the cover of darkness and used a gas cutter to break open the machine’s cash compartment. After removing the cash, they fled the spot before daybreak.
Police reached the scene soon after receiving information and cordoned off the area for forensic examination.
Cash Loss Yet to Be Ascertained
Officials of the State Bank of India also visited the site and are assessing the amount of cash that was inside the ATM at the time of the burglary. The exact value of the stolen cash will be known after the bank completes its verification process.
Investigators have collected evidence from the crime scene and are scanning CCTV footage from the ATM kiosk and nearby establishments to identify the culprits and trace their movements.
Organised Gang Suspected
While preliminary inputs indicate the involvement of an organised gang, police said it would be premature to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed.
Nabarangpur Superintendent of Police Partha Kashyap visited the spot to supervise the investigation and review the progress of the probe.
Police have launched a manhunt to trace those involved in the ATM burglary, while forensic teams are examining technical and physical evidence collected from the site.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the security of ATM kiosks, particularly in smaller towns, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and stronger protective measures to prevent such crimes.