TV
A group of unidentified robbers looted Odisha Gramya Bank located at Balikhanda Bazaar under Simulia police station of Balasore district and set it on fire before decamping with cash on Wednesday morning.
According to sources, the miscreants broke into the bank and carried out a heist, looting gold and cash, before setting fire to the lockers and fleeing the spot.
The incident came to light when local shopkeepers and residents reached the market area adjacent to the bank and found smoke billowing out of the complex. While initially believing a short circuit was the reason behind a possible fire, the locals soon discovered that the windows towards the rear side of the building were smashed open and protective grills cut through, confirming suspicions of robbery.
Upon receiving information, a team of Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and brought the flames under control after nearly 2 hours of extensive efforts. Meanwhile, Simulia and Soro police also arrived at the scene and launched an intensive investigation into the incident.
ALSO READ: Unabated temple loots plague Odisha, latest theft in Ganjam sparks concerns
“We heard commotion and reports of a robbery and rushed outside to see flames and smoke engulfing the bank branch. While a fire brigade extinguished the fire, gold and valuables from the bank lockers have been stolen,” said Ghanshayam Nayak, a local resident.
Sources also added that the entire branch was enveloped in thick smoke. However, the exact extent of damage is not yet clear although reports informed that the fire started from the bank lockers.
ALSO READ: Robbers attack family with sharp weapons in Bhadrak, 4 including 3 women injured in heist
Till the last reports came in, police were probing the nature of the crime and assessing the amount of cash and valuables looted but did not offer any additional comments.
