In a significant disciplinary action following a major theft, three police sub-inspectors have been suspended and the salaries of eight other personnel have been withheld. This comes after an internal investigation uncovered serious security and patrolling failures on the night of December 17, when thieves stole approximately Rs 24 lakh from two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Bihar's West Champaran district.
Internal Probe Exposes Patrolling Failures
The suspended officers have been identified as Sub-Inspectors Raja Ram Kumar, Sudama Prasad, and Nandlal Paswan. All three were deployed on night patrol duty in areas falling under the Nagar and Nautan police stations. The internal inquiry, ordered after the twin ATM robberies, charged them with gross negligence in duty, laxity in conducting patrols, and overall security lapses.
Bettiah Superintendent of Police Shaurya Suman stated on Friday that the thieves used gas cutter machines to break into the two ATMs in separate incidents on that fateful night. "An internal probe revealed negligence by the officers on patrolling duty," SP Suman said. He elaborated that police vehicles were not present in the sensitive areas at the designated times and the officers failed to perform their duties effectively.
Stringent Action Ordered by Senior Officials
Taking a stern view of the incident, Champaran Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hari Kishore Rai directed immediate action against more personnel involved in the security arrangement. The salaries of eight other police officers and personnel, who were part of the night patrolling teams in the Nautan and Nagar police station areas, have been withheld. Written explanations have also been demanded from them regarding their role and conduct that night.
DIG Rai issued a clear warning, emphasizing that "any laxity in the security of ATMs, banks, jewellery showrooms, and other sensitive locations will not be tolerated." He has instructed officials to make night patrolling more robust and effective. Furthermore, he has ordered regular monitoring of night patrols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Broader Implications for Police Protocol
This incident has triggered a major review of night security protocols in the region. The theft, amounting to nearly Rs 24 lakh, has exposed critical gaps in the surveillance and protection of financial infrastructure. The disciplinary actions serve as a strong message from the police leadership about accountability. The move aims to ensure that personnel on duty remain vigilant and adhere strictly to their assigned patrol routes and schedules, especially during high-risk night hours.
The case underscores the ongoing challenge of securing ATMs in semi-urban and rural areas, where criminals often exploit procedural weaknesses. The police department's swift internal probe and subsequent punitive measures highlight an attempt to reinforce discipline and restore public confidence in law enforcement's ability to protect public and private property.
