Entire SBI ATM Stolen in Telangana, Thieves Escape with Over Rs 6 Lakh Cash
In a shocking incident that has raised serious security concerns, thieves stole an entire State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in the early hours of Saturday in Yellareddypet town, located in the Rajanna Sircilla district of Telangana. The audacious criminals made off with more than Rs 6 lakh in cash after prying open the machine in a nearby forest area, leaving authorities scrambling to apprehend them.
Details of the Brazen Heist
The theft occurred near the Yellareddypet bus stand at approximately 2 am. Unidentified offenders entered the unmanned ATM centre and managed to steal the entire machine. Preliminary investigations suggest that three individuals arrived in a pickup van to execute the crime. According to an investigator, the suspects likely tied a rope to the ATM, pulled it from its base, loaded it into their vehicle, and transported it to a forest area in Akkapalli, about eight kilometres away. There, they forcibly opened the cash chest and absconded with the money.
Police Response and Investigation Challenges
Police have launched an intensive manhunt to nab the accused. Rajanna Sircilla SP Gite Mahesh Babasaheb visited the crime scene and has formed eight special teams dedicated to the case. However, the investigation faces significant hurdles. Yellareddypet CI O Venkatesh revealed that the CCTV camera inside the ATM was not operational at the time of the incident. Maintenance agencies confirmed the camera was defunct, forcing police to rely on footage from nearby locations to identify the perpetrators.
Legal and Financial Implications
Bank officials have filed a formal complaint stating that Rs 6.06 lakh in cash was stolen. A burglary case has been registered under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This incident highlights vulnerabilities in ATM security, particularly in unmanned centres, and underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and maintenance protocols to prevent such crimes in the future.
