In a brazen overnight heist, unidentified criminals looted an automated teller machine (ATM) in a village near Phagwara, making off with a substantial sum of cash. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a major police investigation.
Details of the Overnight ATM Heist
The crime took place in Khajurala village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sadar Phagwara police station in the Kapurthala district. According to police reports, the theft occurred during the late night hours of Thursday, February 13, or the early morning of Friday, February 14. The targeted ATM was operated by the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
The thieves managed to break into the ATM kiosk and successfully looted the cash from the machine. The total amount stolen has been officially pegged at a staggering ₹16.8 lakh. The precise method used to breach the ATM's security is currently under scrutiny by forensic and investigative teams.
Police Launch Investigation and Search for Clues
Upon receiving information about the break-in, a team from the Sadar Phagwara police station swiftly arrived at the scene. Law enforcement officials have registered a formal case and have initiated a comprehensive investigation to track down the perpetrators.
The Kapurthala police are actively pursuing all possible leads. This includes:
- Examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras to identify suspicious individuals or vehicles.
- Gathering forensic evidence from the crime scene.
- Questioning local residents for any unusual activity witnessed around the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet released details about any specific suspects but are exploring various angles, including the possibility of an inter-district gang being involved in the well-planned robbery.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Probe
The incident has raised concerns among residents of Khajurala and the surrounding areas in the Jalandhar rural belt. ATM looting, while not an everyday occurrence, highlights vulnerabilities in the security of financial infrastructure in semi-urban and rural locations.
Police officials have assured the public that they are deploying all necessary resources to solve the case. The investigation is being closely monitored by senior officers. The focus remains on apprehending the criminals and recovering the stolen money at the earliest.
This robbery near Phagwara adds to a list of similar incidents reported in the region in the past, putting pressure on law enforcement to enhance security measures around standalone ATMs, especially in less populated areas during night hours.
