TV
ATMs, the steel-clad treasure troves housing lakhs of rupees, are no longer impenetrable fortresses. In a shocking twist, looters have evolved their tactics, going from breaking into machines to carrying away entire ATMs.
This alarming trend, spreading from the state capital to other parts of Odisha, has raised serious questions about the security of ATMs and has left banks and police on edge.
Case in Point: Lingaraj ATM Loot
The issue has come to the fore with a daring heist at an SBI ATM in Bhubaneswar's Sriram Nagar area under Lingaraj police limits.
CCTV footage from the crime scene reveals four masked miscreants uprooting the cash-loaded ATM machine, loading it onto a stolen auto-rickshaw, and fleeing.
The machine was later found dumped in Gangua canal, its inner chamber cut open and the cash looted. Two days after the incident, the police have formed a special team but are yet to trace the culprits.
Also Read: SBI ATM heist in Bhubaneswar: Robbers uproot machine, take it away on auto-rickshaw
A String of Similar Incidents
This is not a single such case. On October 10, 2020, miscreants had used a gas cutter to loot Rs 27 lakh from an ATM of a private bank situated near Patia Station Road. Even after the passage of years, the accused are yet to be arrested.
Now recently, on December 15, 2023, Rs 15 lakh was looted from an ATM near Lingaraj Temple. Similar thefts have been reported in Lingipur, Berhampur and Boudh. In some places, several ATMs have been looted in a single night.
One of the most brazen heists was reported in Dhenkanal's Panchupat village, where robbers used a gas cutter to siphon off cash and later set the ATM on fire using petrol. The incidents point towards a pattern of poor ATM security and raise concerns over the safety of public funds.
Bank and Police Under Scrutiny
While police have repeatedly highlighted the need for better security, there are still questions about the complacency of banks in implementing the same. Most ATMs lack proper CCTV surveillance or functional alarms, making them a soft target for criminals.
"Security personnel play a crucial role in safeguarding ATMs, and we are constantly working to raise awareness about their importance. However, there are several ATMs in Bhubaneswar located in isolated areas, where security is inadequate. These sites often lack proper network connectivity, CCTV surveillance, and regular visits by patrolling vehicles," said Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra.
The increase in ATM robberies is a critical wake-up call for banks and law enforcement to work together to ensure robust security measures. Until then, public funds are at risk as criminals continue to exploit loopholes in the system.
