Youth smashes SBI ATM with hammer after Rs 118 deducted from account in Odisha

A shocking act of vandalism has been reported from Ghasipura area in Odisha's Keonjhar district, where a young man smashed an SBI ATM using a hammer. The incident occurred right in front of the local police station, leaving residents and passersby in utter disbelief. 

As per initial reports, the youth, a resident of Talagaon near Ghasipura, lost his temper after noticing a deduction of Rs 118 from his bank account. Enraged by the unexpected transaction, he allegedly took matters into his own hands and launched an attack on the ATM. 

Also Read: Massive fire breaks out at suitcase showroom Dolamundai in Cuttack

Witnesses at the scene described how the youth forcefully struck the ATM’s screen and glass panels with a hammer, reducing the machine to pieces within minutes.

“We heard a loud noise and raised an alarm. Soon other locals gathered and police took the youth into custody,” said a local resident.

Another local resident said, “I had come to withdraw cash from the ATM when I found the machine vandalised. Later, we came to know that a youth had done it.”

Youth Sustains Injury

During the act, shards of broken glass caused injuries to the accused. Soon after, police personnel from the nearby station rushed to the spot and detained him. He was given medical attention before being taken into custody for interrogation.

Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the deducted amount was due to a bank error or a legitimate transaction. 

Meanwhile, locals have expressed serious concerns over the safety of banking infrastructure, questioning how such an act could take place in broad daylight near a police station.

Bank officials have been informed about the damage, and steps are being taken to restore ATM services in the area. The police have assured strict action against the vandalism, stating that such acts of destruction cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

(By Munna Singh)