Major ATM Heist in Buxar: ₹20 Lakh Stolen Overnight
In a brazen overnight robbery, criminals targeted a State Bank of India ATM in the Akhouripur Gola area of Chausa, making away with an estimated ₹20 lakh in cash. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Muffasil police station on Saturday night, sending shockwaves through the local community.
How the ATM Robbery Unfolded
The thieves executed their plan with precision, taking advantage of a critical security lapse. According to police reports, the ATM shutter had not been properly locked, providing easy access to the criminals. The miscreants first disabled the surveillance system by spraying paint on the ATM camera, effectively blinding the security apparatus.
Having neutralized the camera, the criminals pulled down the internal shutter and employed a gas cutter to breach the cash box. The sophisticated approach suggests the involvement of experienced criminals familiar with ATM security systems.
The ATM was installed at the residence of local resident Santosh Chaurasia, who revealed that SBI staff had loaded the machine with cash around 7 pm on Saturday, just hours before the robbery occurred.
Discovery and Police Response
The crime came to light around 8 am on Sunday when a local youth arrived to withdraw money and discovered the damaged ATM. The alert citizen immediately notified both the police and the landlord, Santosh Chaurasia.
Muffasil police responded promptly, arriving at the scene to launch a comprehensive investigation. Chandan Kumar, the Station House Officer of Muffasil police station, confirmed that multiple investigative approaches are being employed.
Police are currently examining CCTV footage from surrounding areas and have called in a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team to collect evidence from the crime scene. The investigation is being conducted using scientific methods to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Ongoing Investigation and Financial Assessment
While initial estimates suggest approximately ₹20 lakh was stolen, the exact amount will be confirmed only after a detailed assessment by bank officials in coordination with police authorities. SHO Chandan Kumar emphasized that the final stolen amount will be determined after the bank submits its official report.
The incident has raised serious questions about ATM security protocols in the area, particularly regarding the locking mechanisms of ATM shutters and the effectiveness of surveillance systems in preventing such sophisticated crimes.
Local residents have expressed concern over the growing boldness of criminals in the region, calling for enhanced security measures at all ATM locations, especially those installed in residential areas.
