7-Member Inter-State ATM Robbery Gang Arrested In Warangal
Acting on complaints from a third-party security firm, special police teams used advanced technology to track the suspects. They were caught red-handed while trying to install an iron plate at a Perto ATM on Sunday: Reports
WARANGAL: Kazipet and Central Crime Station (CCS) police have busted a notorious seven-member inter-state gang from Rajasthan that specialised in a unique iron-plate ATM robbery technique. The gang was arrested on Sunday morning while attempting a theft at an ATM near Kazipet Chowrasta in Hanamkonda district. Police recovered ₹5.10 lakh in cash, two cars, seven mobile phones, duplicate keys, and specialised iron plates used in the crimes.
Acting on complaints from a third-party security firm, special police teams used advanced technology to track the suspects. They were caught red-handed while trying to install an iron plate at a Perto ATM on Sunday.
Addressing the media, Warangal Central Zone DCP Kavitha said the accused were identified as Arif Khan, 23, Sarfaraz, 24, M. Ash Mohammad, 29, Shapus Khan, 33, Sharukh Khan, 33, Aslam Khan, 33, M. Sharukh Khan, 27, and Sameer Khan, 28, all residents of Alwar district in Rajasthan. She said the gang resorted to crime to lead a lavish lifestyle.
The gang targeted specific ATM machines manufactured by a company named Perto. After studying technical flaws in older machines, they used duplicate keys to open the front panel and fixed a small iron plate over the cash dispenser slot using glue.
When customers tried to withdraw cash, the money would get stuck behind the concealed iron plate inside the machine. Assuming a technical error, customers would leave, after which the gang, watching from nearby, would unlock the ATM and retrieve the trapped cash.
During interrogation, the gang confessed to committing over 40 ATM thefts across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala. In the Warangal tri-city area alone, they targeted seven ATMs since November, stealing ₹12.10 lakh.
Police Commissioner Sunpreet Singh appreciated the special teams led by Additional DCP Balaswamy and ACPs Sadaiah and Prashanth Reddy for their swift action and announced rewards for the officers involved.
