Muzaffarpur: In a daring heist, thieves used a gas cutter to break open an SBI ATM near Karja police station and stole ₹23.64 lakh in the early hours of June 22. The incident has prompted a swift response from law enforcement, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and extensive raids across multiple districts.
An FIR has been lodged by Advocate Shyam Sundar Kumar, legal advisor of Hitachi Payment Services Private Limited, on behalf of the company. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the leadership of Saraiya SDPO to apprehend the culprits, with raids being conducted in various locations, including Muzaffarpur, Patna, Hajipur, and Motihari. Video footage from the ATM has been shared with police in these districts to help identify the accused.
The theft occurred around midnight on June 22 when the thieves used a gas cutter to break open the ATM and steal the cash. They then set the ATM on fire to destroy evidence, including fingerprints. Locals extinguished the fire, but it has hindered the investigation. The police are seeking assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team to gather evidence. CCTV footage suggests the involvement of women in the crime, marking the first time women are suspected to be involved in such ATM theft cases. The clothes worn by the thieves resemble those of women, strengthening the suspicion. Police are investigating all angles and are confident of identifying and apprehending the culprits.
This is the second ATM theft incident at the same SBI ATM in Karja. Three months ago, thieves stole ₹27,600 from the same ATM using a gas cutter. An FIR was lodged in that case as well, but the police have not made any arrests yet.
