SBI ATM heist in Bhubaneswar: Robbers uproot machine, take it away on auto-rickshaw

In an audacious incident, robbers on Thursday night made off with an entire cash dispensing machine after failing to loot cash at a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM at Sriram Nagar under Airfield police limits in Bhubaneswar.

The robbers uprooted the ATM machine and ferried it using an auto-rickshaw. The exact amount of cash present inside the compromised ATM remains undisclosed. After failing to break open the ATM machine, the robbers dumped it near Gangua canal in Samantarapur.  

On being informed, Airfield police recovered the machine in a state of disrepair, likely due to the perpetrators' attempts to access the money within. The auto-rickshaw, believed to be appropriated by the criminals for this act, was also retrieved near the site. The auto-rickshaw is also suspected to have been stolen from another location.

Also Read: Most wanted ATM looter involved in more than 20 theft cases arrested in Bhubaneswar

The local police have initiated a thorough investigation to apprehend those responsible and to ascertain the total sum stolen. Sources have indicated that this burglary could be linked to a broader series of thefts in the region.

The authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the investigation, urging witnesses to come forward as they strive to bring the culprits to justice. Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar residents have expressed their concern and frustration over the repeated occurrences of such crimes, calling for increased security measures to safeguard public assets.