Sambalpur: ATM Heist; Thieves Loot Cash and Escape, Leaving Behind Burnt ATM and Car with Multiple License Plates

ATM Heist and Fire Incident

Sambalpur: A shocking incident occurred late Saturday night when an SBI ATM near a petrol pump on the Biju Expressway, under the jurisdiction of Ainthapali Police Station in Bhalupali, was looted. The thieves used gas cutters to break into the ATM and accidentally set it on fire. The cash in the machine was also burned during the incident.

Thieves Flee, Leaving Behind Car and Plates

The police arrived quickly after receiving information from a passerby, but the thieves had already fled the scene, abandoning a Maruti Baleno car. During their escape, the criminals were involved in a car accident, which forced them to abandon their vehicle. Police discovered multiple license plates inside the car, indicating the involvement of a seasoned gang that may have planned similar heists in other areas.

Details of the Robbery Attempt

Four to five robbers arrived at the ATM in a vehicle equipped with gas cutters. They began slicing through the machine to get to the cash. However, the process caused a fire, which not only burned down the ATM but also destroyed a significant amount of money inside. When a passerby noticed the fire and immediately alerted the police, the situation became more serious.

Police Investigation: Burnt Cash and Stolen Amounts

The police discovered that the ATM contained ₹21.45 lakhs, but ₹12.95 lakhs were burned in the fire. The thieves stole ₹8.50 lakhs and fled the scene. Police are currently analyzing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. Additionally, the franchise company that operates the ATM has filed a formal complaint.

Police Efforts to Capture the Thieves

The police have launched a massive search operation, forming four special teams to locate the criminals. Two teams are working within the district, and two others are focusing on leads outside of Sambalpur. Several roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up in the area. Investigators believe the same gang was involved in a previous robbery attempt at the same ATM earlier this year, which failed.

Past Incidents and Challenges for Law Enforcement

Interestingly, this is not the first time something like this has happened in the area. In August 2022, thieves stole ₹20 lakhs from another SBI ATM in Majhipali, near the Biju Expressway. Despite two years, the police have yet to apprehend the culprits or recover the stolen funds.

Lack of Security Raises Concerns

Criminals have previously targeted the Bhaliupali ATM, with another attempted robbery foiled just months ago. Despite these threats, neither the police nor the bank authorities implemented 24-hour security measures on the premises, which could have prevented the recent incident.

Police Patrolling Intensified

Following the heist, Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamu was seen patrolling the city on Sunday night, visiting multiple vulnerable areas on his motorcycle to assess the security situation. This incident has highlighted the critical need for stronger security measures at ATMs throughout the region.