Who are the Armed Robbers Behind the MP Bank Heist?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The robbery occurred in broad daylight.
- Over Rs 10 crore was stolen.
- Police have yet to identify the suspects.
- More than 100 CCTV cameras were reviewed.
- The bank lacked a security guard during the incident.
Jabalpur, Aug 13 (NationPress) It has been three days since a shocking daylight bank robbery rattled Jabalpur, the cultural hub of Madhya Pradesh, where a group of armed robbers made off with gold and cash valued at over Rs 10 crore. The district police are still working diligently to resolve the case.
In the last three days, around 50 individuals, including bank staff and suspects linked to local thefts, have been interrogated. However, the police have yet to uncover any definitive leads to identify the robbers.
This dramatic robbery has put the Jabalpur district police on high alert.
Approximately a dozen teams from various police stations, including Sihora where the robbery occurred, have been deployed for extensive searches.
Jabalpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Suryakant Sharma, mentioned in a conversation with IANS on Wednesday evening that they have received some promising information, and searches are ongoing. The police are confident they will apprehend the suspects shortly.
“We have gathered some crucial inputs, but the investigation is still in progress. We cannot conclude anything until the suspects are caught. Nevertheless, I assure you that the Jabalpur police are committed to solving this case,” ASP Sharma stated.
When asked if they had any solid evidence for identifying the perpetrators, the officer noted that the robbers wore helmets and masks to conceal their identities.
“Over 100 CCTV cameras across the city, including at petrol stations and private residences, have been analyzed, but the suspects remain unrecognized,” he added.
ASP Sharma also ruled out the possibility of involvement from individuals outside Madhya Pradesh.
Regarding potential collusion from bank employees, he remarked, “We cannot dismiss this possibility. Our investigation is exploring all angles.”
“Based on the information we have so far, it appears there are no outsiders involved. One of the robbers, identified as having a firearm concealed under his belt, has been recognized, and more details will remain confidential until the case is resolved,” he elaborated.
On the morning of August 11, five to six masked and helmeted men entered the ESAF Small Finance Bank in the Khitola area of Sehora tehsil in Jabalpur district and fled with 14 grams of gold and Rs 5.7 lakh in cash, totaling over Rs 10 crore.
The early morning robbery, captured on CCTV, occurred at a bank that lacked a security guard.
At the time, five to six staff members were present in the bank, which was targeted by the armed men who arrived on motorcycles.
Interestingly, the local police were notified by bank employees about the incident approximately 45 minutes after the robbery took place.
The bank typically provides loans based on mortgaged gold.
Normally, the bank opens daily at 10:30 a.m.; however, due to the festive season, it currently opens between 8 and 9 a.m.