SBI ATM looted in Odisha’s Balasore; robbers use gas cutters, spray paint CCTV cameras

In a daring late-night heist, unidentified miscreants broke into a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM located at Bagudi-Jodamba Chhak under Soro police limits in Balasore district before decamping away with a large and undisclosed amount of cash.

According to preliminary reports, the incident took place late on Sunday night. The robbers first disabled the CCTV surveillance system by spraying black paint on the camera lenses, before cutting through the ATM shutter lock and entering the premises. Once inside, they used gas-cutting equipment to access the ATM’s cash chamber.

Exact Amount Stolen Yet To Be Confirmed

While police have confirmed that the ATM was recently replenished with cash on Sunday evening, the exact amount of money looted has not yet been officially verified. Concerned SBI officials are expected to conduct a full audit to assess the financial loss.

Sources said that the incident came to light after the building owner, alerted by a call from the bank's automated system, stepped out and noticed suspicious activity.

However, by the time he raised the alarm and called out to others in the neighbourhood, the culprits had already pulled down the shutter and fled the scene.

Police Investigation Underway

The Soro police team arrived at the location soon after receiving the complaint and launched a formal investigation into the case.

Also Read | Maternal death sparks medical negligence row at private hospital in Odisha’s Kendrapada

Forensic experts have been called in to examine the ATM enclosure for any physical evidence, including tool marks and fingerprints. Senior police officials are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops and traffic intersections in an attempt to trace the movement of the suspects. 

As of the last reports, no arrests have been made, and efforts are underway to determine whether the crime was carried out by a local gang or a more organised interstate group.