A brazen attempt to steal from an ATM in the early hours of Tuesday has exposed glaring security failures in Belagavi district. The incident, occurring around 3 am in Hosa Vantamuri, located approximately 25 kilometres from Belagavi city, has prompted police to question basic installation and safety standards followed by service providers.
Details of the Failed Heist
Unidentified individuals targeted an ATM operated by India ATM Service. According to City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase, the miscreants tried to break open the cash machine but ultimately failed in their mission. The ATM, which contained a substantial sum of Rs 10 lakh, was surprisingly scheduled to be shut down within the next ten days.
The most shocking revelation from the investigation was that the ATM's alarm system was completely disabled, making it an easy target for the criminals. CCTV footage recovered from the site shows suspects with their faces covered and wearing gloves, indicating a pre-planned operation. Despite their preparations, Commissioner Borase described the attempt as "amateurish," noting that the machine remained intact and the cash was untouched.
Serious Questions Over Safety Norms
The failed theft has opened a Pandora's box of security concerns. Police officials have pointed out that the installation of the ATM was not scientific and several mandatory security norms were ignored. A significant hazard was the removal of the staircase leading to the ATM due to road encroachment, yet the machine continued to operate.
Authorities are also questioning the logic behind keeping this particular unit operational when another ATM exists just 200 metres away. "Why was this one kept operational despite the obvious safety risks?" a police officer involved in the case questioned, highlighting poor risk assessment.
Police Investigation and Warnings
The case has been officially registered at the Kakati police station, and a thorough investigation is underway. Police are meticulously reviewing the CCTV footage to identify the culprits. Meanwhile, Commissioner Bhushan Borase issued a stern warning to all ATM service providers.
He urged them to strictly adhere to safety norms, ensure alarm systems are always functional, and avoid installing machines in locations deemed unsafe or vulnerable. This incident serves as a critical reminder for companies to audit their existing installations and prioritise customer and asset security over mere convenience.
