Over ₹5.7 Lakh Stolen from SBI ATM in Odisha’s Umarkot; Police Probe Organised Gang Angle
Nabarangpur: In a major ATM burglary, unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in Umarkot town of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district and escaped with more than ₹5.7 lakh in cash during the early hours of Friday.
The incident occurred at the SBI ATM kiosk near the Old Bus Stand on Kondagaon Road. According to police, the burglars are believed to have struck between 2 am and 3 am, using a gas cutter to slice open the ATM’s cash vault before fleeing with the money.
The crime came to light early in the morning when local residents spotted the damaged ATM while passing through the area and informed the police.
A team from Umarkot Police Station immediately reached the spot and began an investigation. A forensic team was also called in to examine the crime scene and collect scientific evidence.
Initial analysis of CCTV footage from nearby locations reportedly shows five to six masked individuals arriving in a white car. The suspects allegedly entered the ATM kiosk, carried out the theft, and escaped in the same vehicle.
Police suspect the robbery may have been executed by an organised criminal gang. However, officials said the identities of the accused and the exact sequence of events will be confirmed only after a detailed investigation.
Nabarangpur Superintendent of Police Kashyap Parth Jagdish visited the ATM kiosk to assess the situation and review the progress of the investigation. SDPO Shubhendu Sabar, Umarkot IIC Jugal Sabar, and other senior police officials were also present during the inquiry.
Based on a complaint filed by the State Bank of India, a case has been registered at Umarkot Police Station. Investigators are now examining CCTV footage, forensic findings, and other available evidence to trace and apprehend those responsible.
The incident has once again brought the focus on security measures at ATM kiosks, with police continuing their investigation into the high-value theft.
