West Bengal Man Apprehended in Salem for Attempted ATM Thefts in Erode
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have arrested a 39-year-old man from West Bengal in connection with two separate theft attempts at automated teller machines (ATMs) in Erode city. The arrest occurred on Sunday night in Salem, marking a crucial development in the investigation that began earlier this month.
Identification and Arrest Details
The arrested individual has been identified as Brittam Sarki, aged 39, originally hailing from West Bengal. According to police officials, his identification was made possible through meticulous analysis of closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage captured at the crime scenes. Additionally, investigators leveraged data from cell phone towers to trace his movements and establish his involvement in the incidents.
A Sujatha, the Erode District Police Superintendent, confirmed the arrest and highlighted the role of technological evidence in cracking the case. "He was identified through CCTV camera footage and with the help of cell phone towers," Sujatha stated, underscoring the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques in combating urban crime.
Background of the ATM Theft Attempts
The cases originated on January 12, when two separate complaints were filed by bank managers regarding attempted thefts at ATM centers in Erode city. The incidents involved:
- An attempt to break open and steal money from a Karnataka Bank ATM center located on EVN Road.
- A similar attempt at a State Bank of India ATM center, also situated on EVN Road in Erode.
Both complaints were registered by the respective bank managers, who reported that an unidentified person had tried to forcibly access the machines. The proximity of the locations and the modus operandi suggested the involvement of the same perpetrator, prompting a coordinated investigation by the Erode district police.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following his arrest by a special police team, Brittam Sarki was presented before a judicial magistrate. The court remanded him to judicial custody, and he was subsequently transferred to the Coimbatore Central Prison on Monday. This move ensures he remains in secure detention as the legal process unfolds, with further investigations likely to examine any potential links to other criminal activities or accomplices.
The arrest underscores the vigilance of Tamil Nadu police in addressing financial crimes and leveraging technology to ensure public safety. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures at ATM centers to prevent such incidents in the future.
