Odisha Police Probe ATM Theft After Thar Drags Machine Away
CCTV captures daring ATM theft using a Thar in Odisha.
A gang of unidentified thieves allegedly uprooted an automated teller machine (ATM) in Odisha's Balasore district by tying it to a Mahindra Thar with a rope and dragging it away before stealing the cash inside. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday under the jurisdiction of Khaira Police Station, was captured on CCTV cameras.
According to preliminary police information, more than five individuals arrived at the ATM kiosk in a black Thar at around 2 a.m. The suspects allegedly forced their way into the kiosk, secured a rope around the ATM and attached the other end to their vehicle. They then drove away, pulling the machine out of its mounting and dragging it to a secluded location.
The CCTV footage shows the operation unfolding within a few minutes. At approximately 2:14 a.m., the SUV stopped outside the kiosk before several men stepped out to fasten the rope to the ATM. As the vehicle accelerated, the machine was ripped from its position, with debris from the damaged kiosk scattering onto the road. By around 2:17 a.m., the suspects had fled the scene with the ATM.
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Police said the gang later broke open the machine at another location, removed the cash and abandoned the damaged ATM on the roadside before escaping. The exact amount of money stolen has not yet been disclosed, and authorities are working to verify the cash that was inside the machine at the time of the robbery.
Following the incident, Khaira police reached the spot, recovered the damaged ATM and launched an investigation. Officers are examining CCTV footage and collecting other evidence to identify the vehicle used in the crime and trace those involved. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. The robbery has raised fresh concerns over security in the area. Residents said the region has witnessed several theft and robbery incidents in recent months and urged authorities to increase police patrolling and strengthen security measures to prevent similar crimes in the future.
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