In a daring heist, a gang of criminals absconded with a sum of Rs 10 lakh after breaking open an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) located in Saoner town early Tuesday morning. According to police officials, the robbery took place between midnight and 6 am. Approximately seven criminals, who came in multiple four-wheelers brandishing sharp-edged weapons, were allegedly involved in the crime. The criminals wielded a gas cutter with which they skillfully breached the ATM and made off with the exposed cash. The targeted ATM of the State Bank of India lacked a security guard during the time of the heist which helped the perpetrators execute their plan without interruption, police said. A senior police official said that the robbers exhibited a comprehensive knowledge of the cash reserves stored within the targeted ATM which indicates meticulous planning. The criminals had evidently conducted a thorough recce prior to committing the crime. The police are scrutinising the CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the accused involved in the heist.

 

Upon receiving the report, Superintendent of Police (SP) Harssh Poddar, along with Additional SP Dr Sandip Pakhale and their investigative team, rushed to Saoner to inspect the crime scene. A formal complaint was lodged by Swapnil Maroti Gabhne (35), a resident of Saoner, which led to the registration of a case under Sections 457, 380, and 327 of the Indian Penal Code by the Saoner Police. This incident bears a resemblance to a previous ATM robbery in Butibori, which occurred in September last year. Swift police action in that case had resulted in the busting of the Mewat gang within a week. Meanwhile, local residents of Saoner have voiced their concern over the escalating incidents of theft.