Four to five individuals, including one person wearing a tiger mask, managed to steal a staggering amount of Rs 26.58 lakh from an ATM machine in Latur, Maharashtra. The incident occurred at 1:50 am on Friday in Shirur-Tajband, located on the Nanded-Bidar highway. Assistant Inspector Balaji Totewad of Ahmedpur police station confirmed the details of the daring heist.
Describing the modus operandi, Totewad revealed that the culprits bound the ATM machine with a cord and used a four-wheeler parked nearby to uproot it from the kiosk. With the entire ATM in tow, along with the stolen cash, the gang swiftly fled the scene. One member of the group donned a tiger mask, while another wore a cap, muffler, and gloves, potentially to conceal their identities.
Upon receiving a complaint from the manager of EPS, the payment technology services company that owned the targeted ATM, the police immediately registered a case. To aid in the resolution of the case and apprehension of the culprits, four teams from the Crime Branch and local police personnel have been deployed. Fortunately, CCTV footage captured the entire incident, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The authorities are determined to crack this complex case swiftly. Assistant Inspector Totewad assured the public that efforts were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. Four teams of the Crime Branch and personnel from the police station have been deployed to solve the case and nab the culprits, he stated.
The incident has left the community shocked and concerned about the security of ATMs in the area. The brazenness of the theft, coupled with the significant amount stolen, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the existing security measures. Local residents are urging the authorities to address these concerns promptly.
While investigations are ongoing, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local police. By working together, the community can contribute to keeping their neighborhoods safe and secure.
This audacious theft serves as a reminder that maintaining the security of ATMs is of paramount importance. Financial institutions and ATM operators must evaluate their security protocols and invest in robust measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the search for the culprits continues, the police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the investigation. Cooperation from the community will greatly aid law enforcement efforts, ensuring that those responsible for the crime are held accountable.
The incident in Latur highlights the necessity of strengthening security measures and maintaining increased vigilance concerning ATMs. The police remain committed to resolving the case swiftly and restoring a sense of security in the affected community.
