After ₹36 Lakh Loot, Fresh ATM Robbery Bid in Nizamabad Triggers Panic
Officials noted that the city has witnessed a spate of ATM crimes in recent days.
Nizamabad: ATM thieves triggered panic in Nizamabad on Wednesday following an attempted theft at a Punjab National Bank ATM. The failed attempt came close on the heels of recent ATM robberies in the city, in which miscreants allegedly looted ₹36 lakh after setting fire to two machines.
During the latest incident, patrolling police personnel noticed suspicious activity at the ATM and moved to intercept the culprits. The miscreants, however, fled the scene before they could be caught. Police said the suspects arrived in a red-coloured vehicle and a search operation has been launched to trace them.
Officials noted that the city has witnessed a spate of ATM crimes in recent days. On the same day earlier, thieves reportedly torched two ATM machines and escaped with ₹36 lakh in cash. While investigations into those cases are still underway, the fresh attempt has raised serious concern among law enforcement agencies.
In response to the incidents, a coordination and security review meeting was held on Wednesday at the Command Control Hall of the Police Commissioner’s office. Officials from all banks in the district and representatives of cash supply agencies attended the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Police Commissioner P. Sai Chaitanya said the police department was taking the ATM theft incidents seriously. He directed banks to mandatorily strengthen security measures, including installation of alarm systems, deployment of security guards, and provision of adequate lighting at ATM centres.
