Miscreants loot cash after ransacking HDFC Bank ATM in Odisha’s Jajpur

Unidentified miscreants allegedly looted cash after breaking into an HDFC Bank ATM near Mainda Chhak under Binjharpur police limits in Jajpur district late on Thursday night. Sources reported that the offenders damaged the ATM unit and fled with both cash and parts of the machine.

According to preliminary information, the incident is suspected to have occurred during the late-night hours when the area was largely deserted. Locals noticed the damaged ATM structure early this morning and alerted the police. On reaching the spot, officers found the ATM vandalised, with indications that the machine had been forcibly broken.

Police said the perpetrators appear to have removed the cash cassette from the ATM and may have attempted to carry away parts of the machine itself. The exact amount of cash stolen was yet to be ascertained, pending confirmation from the bank authorities.

Auto-Rickshaw Also Reportedly Stolen

Police are also probing reports that a goods auto-rickshaw parked in front of the bank branch was stolen during the same time frame. Preliminary suspicion is that the stolen vehicle may have been used to transport the ATM components and cash from the scene.

Officials said CCTV footage from nearby establishments and traffic points is being examined to trace the movement of the suspects and the stolen vehicle. Forensic teams were also deployed to collect evidence from the site, including tool marks and other physical clues.

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Police Investigation Underway

As of the last reports, Binjharpur police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Senior officers said multiple angles are being examined, including whether the crime was executed by an organised gang familiar with ATM mechanisms.

Security arrangements at other ATM kiosks in the region are also being reviewed as a precautionary measure, sources informed.

The investigation was continuing at the time of reporting, and no arrests had been made. Police said further details would emerge after technical analysis of CCTV footage and confirmation from the bank regarding the extent of the loss.