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A string of ATM shutdowns in Khordha district of Odisha has left the customers and service providers distressed. Dozens of machines are being deliberately disabled at the start of each month, sparking suspicions of a large-scale tampering racket targeting the pensioners and salaried citizens, sources said on Wednesday.
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According to the sources, a strange and troubling pattern has emerged in Odisha’s Khordha district, where over 40 ATMs (automated teller machines) have reportedly been rendered inoperative during the first week of every month. The disruption, occurring in multiple banks and locations, is alleged to be the result of deliberate sabotage by unidentified individuals.
Deliberate sabotage suspected
Customers complain that as and when they insert their ATM cards to withdraw money, the machines either fail to read the card or swallow it without returning. Probes by servicing companies reveal that glue is being put into card reader slot, disabling the machine.
This phenomenon has caused major inconvenience, particularly during the 1st to 8th of each month when pensioners and salaried individuals attempt to withdraw their funds. Left with no choice, customers are forced to use alternative ATMs or customer service points, often incurring extra withdrawal charges.
Over the past two to three months, this recurring issue has affected ATM machines across locations such as Jankia, Nirakarpur, Tangi, Nachuni, and Balugaon.
As per the versions of NCR, the company responsible for ATM upkeep, over 12 machines have been deliberately sabotaged in the past four days alone.
With consistent similarities in timing and technique, suspicions have been raised about the possible involvement of certain service agencies or customer service centers. “This could be part of a coordinated racket,” said an NCR official, highlighting concerns about intentional disruption for financial gain.
Responding to the rising concern, Khordha Superintendent of Police (SP) Sagarika Nath confirmed that a special investigation team has been formed to probe into the matter. “An independent team is probing as to who has been benefitting from these disruptions and how the tampering is being carried out,” the SP stated.
As the detailed investigation unfolds, customers remain wary, and banks, along with ATM service providers, are on high alert.
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“We have not yet received any complaint in this regard. However, we had conducted a preliminary inquiry, and we are aware of the fact that some ATMs are dysfunctional. We are probing to ascertain if this is being done in a planned way,” the Khordha SP added.
