In a swift and audacious robbery, a professional criminal gang made off with approximately Rs 14.5 lakh from an HDFC Bank automated teller machine (ATM) in Patna. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the area, occurred in the Nasriganj locality under the jurisdiction of the Danapur police station.
Senior Police Official Visits Crime Scene
Taking serious note of the major theft, City SP (West) Bhanu Pratap Singh personally visited the site of the crime on Saturday. His inspection aimed to gather first-hand information and assess the modus operandi used by the thieves. The theft was officially reported on November 17, prompting a high-level response from the police force.
Modus Operandi: A Six-Minute Operation
Initial investigations reveal a startlingly efficient operation carried out by what appears to be a seasoned gang. According to the senior police official, the perpetrators used a gas cutter to break open the ATM. In a display of alarming precision, the entire act of breaking into the machine and fleeing with the cash was completed within a mere six minutes. This indicates significant planning and familiarity with such criminal activities.
The Danapur police have already taken formal action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) based on the complaint. Recognizing the gravity and complexity of the case, the authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This dedicated team has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe, analyzing evidence, and tracking down the members of the gang responsible for this bold theft.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The formation of the SIT underscores the priority being given to this case. The police are likely examining CCTV footage from the vicinity, forensic evidence from the ATM, and following other investigative leads. Such incidents not only result in significant financial loss but also erode public sense of security regarding banking infrastructure.
This ATM heist in Patna highlights the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing sophisticated financial crimes. The public now awaits swift action and results from the specially formed investigation team as the search for the culprits intensifies.
