Two attempted ATM robberies at State Bank of India centres in Koppal and Hosapete were thwarted on Tuesday night. In one incident, a fire disrupted the burglars' plan, while in the other, a security siren alerted the police, leading to the suspects fleeing the scene.
Koppal Incident
In Koppal, miscreants targeted an SBI ATM located opposite a private hospital in BT Patil Nagar. They sprayed black paint on the CCTV cameras and attempted to cut open the machine using gas-welding equipment to steal cash. However, a fire broke out during the operation, forcing the burglars to abandon their attempt and flee. Fire and emergency services personnel arrived at the spot and extinguished the blaze, preventing further damage. Officials from Koppal Town police station visited the scene, registered a complaint, and launched an investigation based on CCTV footage and other evidence.
Hosapete Incident
In a similar incident, an attempted ATM robbery at an SBI centre near Kanakadasa Circle in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, was thwarted by the security alarm system and a prompt police response. According to police, four masked men entered the ATM kiosk around midnight, sprayed paint on CCTV cameras to conceal their identities, and tried to break open the machine. As they tampered with the ATM, the security system triggered a loud siren, automatically alerting the Vijayanagara district police control room. Patrol personnel were informed immediately, but the suspects fled after being startled by the alarm before police arrived. Police inspected the spot and registered a case at Hosapete Town police station.
