In a daring heist, burglars broke open an unguarded ATM in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, and stole over ₹7 lakh using a gas cutting machine. The theft came to light when bank officials investigated a sudden drop in transaction activity at the kiosk.

Key Takeaways

  • Burglars looted over ₹7 lakh from an ATM on NH 38 in Ranipet using a gas cutting machine.
  • The kiosk was unguarded and located on the outskirts of Mulluvadi village.
  • Police have formed special teams and are analyzing CCTV footage to track down the suspects.

A daring ATM robbery has sent shockwaves through Ranipet district in Tamil Nadu, where unidentified burglars decamped with over ₹7 lakh. The incident took place at an ATM kiosk located on the busy Cuddalore - Chittoor Road (NH 38) in Mulluvadi village during the early hours of Tuesday. The audacity of the crime has once again brought the spotlight on the security measures of financial institutions in rural and semi-urban areas.

How the Crime Was Discovered

The crime was discovered after bank officials grew suspicious of a complete halt in withdrawal transactions from the kiosk. Upon reaching the location to inspect, officials were shocked to find the main shutter pulled down and locked from the outside. Once they forced entry, they discovered the badly damaged ATM machine, with its cash chest completely missing.

Modus Operandi and Security Lapses

According to the local police, the culprits took advantage of the kiosk's isolated location near an educational institution on the village outskirts. Crucially, the outlet lacked any physical security personnel at night. The perpetrators reportedly used heavy-duty gas cutting torches to slice through the steel chassis of the ATM and extract the cash chest. By shutting the shutter from the outside, they ensured that passersby would not suspect any ongoing criminal activity inside.

Police Launch Massive Manhunt

Following a formal complaint by the bank authorities, the Kalavai police registered a case. Superintendent of Police P. Sibin visited the crime scene to oversee the initial probe. Forensic experts, fingerprint analysis units, and sniffer dog squads have been deployed to gather critical forensic evidence. Additionally, cyber crime units are scanning CCTV footage from various toll plazas and roads along the national highway to identify the getaway vehicle.

A Recurring Pattern of Highway Heists

This incident echoes a highly sophisticated heist from February 2023, where a gang targeted four different ATMs along the same NH 38 stretch in the neighboring Tiruvannamalai district, stealing ₹72.50 lakh and setting the machines on fire to erase evidence. The recurring pattern highlights a pressing need for enhanced security protocols and patrolling at highway ATM kiosks, which remain highly vulnerable to organized criminal gangs.