In a major security breach, burglars targeted two ATM kiosks in Nizamabad town, making off with an estimated ₹30 lakh in cash during the early hours of Saturday. The audacious thefts have triggered a massive police manhunt across the district and beyond.
Details of the Twin ATM Heists
The incidents occurred at two separate locations under different police station limits. The first target was a Development Credit Bank (DCB) ATM in Aryanagar, which falls under the IV Town police station. The second was an State Bank of India (SBI) ATM at Varni crossroads, within the jurisdiction of the V Town police station.
Preliminary investigations suggest the thieves used gas-cutters to forcibly break open the ATM shutters. During the operation at one of the kiosks, a fire broke out, reportedly destroying some of the cash. While the final tally is being verified, initial estimates indicate around ₹10 lakh was stolen from the SBI ATM and approximately ₹20 lakh or more from the DCB machine.
Police Investigation and Suspected Modus Operandi
In-charge Commissioner of Police for Kamareddy, M Rajesh Chandra, personally inspected both crime scenes. He reviewed the entry and exit routes used by the culprits and analyzed their method of operation.
Investigators believe the suspects arrived at the locations in a car and on a motorcycle. To cover their tracks, they allegedly sprayed powder inside the ATMs to erase any fingerprints. The police's clues team has collected forensic evidence from the scenes to aid the probe.
CCTV footage from inside and around the ATMs has been secured and sent for technical analysis. The police suspect the involvement of a professional gang and are actively probing possible links to criminal groups from Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Heightened Security and Intensified Hunt
In response to the thefts, the police have launched a full-scale investigation. Five special investigation teams (SITs) have been formed, supported by the clues team, technical experts, and local police units.
Immediate security measures have been reinforced across the district. Night patrolling has been intensified around ATMs, banks, and high-density areas. Checkposts at key entry and exit points have been strengthened.
Authorities have also initiated coordination with banks to enhance ATM security. Discussions are focused on installing more robust alarms, additional surveillance cameras, and improved lighting around kiosks. Commissioner Chandra has directed officers to expedite the identification and tracking of the suspects to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
