In a brazen and cinematic attempt gone wrong, four unidentified thieves tried — and spectacularly failed — to yank an ATM out of a bank kiosk using an SUV and a heavy-duty belt in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The dramatic attempt took place in the early hours of Monday at the State Bank of India's Shahnoorwadi branch, police said.

According to authorities, the suspects arrived at the scene between 3 am and 4 am in a sports utility vehicle. Surveillance footage (partially recovered due to damage) shows them looping a bright yellow strap around the ATM machine, attempting to haul it out with the SUV. Despite several forceful tugs, the ATM stood firm, refusing to budge.

Not ready to give up, the culprits then tried to break open the machine manually using a screwdriver — but again, failed. In frustration, they vandalized the CCTV system inside the ATM booth before fleeing the scene empty-handed.

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The branch manager of the bank filed a formal complaint shortly after discovering the damage on Monday morning. A case has since been registered at the Jawaharnagar Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempted theft, criminal mischief, and common intention.

Police are reviewing external CCTV footage and other forensic evidence to identify and track down the suspects.

Authorities have urged residents and business owners in the vicinity to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.

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