Rohtas: A group of criminals tried to rob a State Bank of India ATM in the early hours of Saturday in Bihar’s Rohtas district, but their plan failed after an alarm alert was received by officials in Mumbai. The incident took place around 3am at an ATM of the State Bank of India located in Godari Bazaar under the Karakat police station area. The robbers fled the scene when police arrived, leaving behind tools and other items.
According to bank officials, the ATM is connected to an online monitoring system managed by a team in Mumbai. When the robbers allegedly began damaging the machine using a gas cutter and other equipment, the alarm system was triggered. The monitoring team quickly informed the superintendent of police in Rohtas district, who immediately directed local officers to rush to the spot and catch the suspects.
Local residents said they woke up after hearing gunshots in the market area. Some witnesses reported hearing three to four rounds of firing and saw police vehicles chasing suspects on the road. As soon as the robbers noticed the approaching police vehicle, they reportedly fired shots and escaped. Police are also said to have fired in response. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
The ATM has been operating for several years in a building owned by former village head Vijay Soni. Family members living in the house said they were frightened when they heard gunfire outside. By the time police reached the ATM kiosk, the robbers had already run away.
In their hurry to escape, the criminals left behind slippers, towels, tools and even a gas cylinder used for cutting the machine. Police said the group had arrived in a black Scorpio vehicle, which they had parked a short distance away to avoid attention. After abandoning their robbery attempt, they fled towards Vikramganj.
A forensic team later examined the scene and collected evidence. Police have launched a search operation to trace the suspects and the vehicle used in the crime. Officials said the quick alert from Mumbai and the fast action by local police helped prevent a major theft.
