Singrauli Bank Heist Investigation Expands; Suspect Detained in Bihar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhopal, April 18 (NationPress) The inquiry into the bank heist in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli has significantly advanced, as law enforcement reported the apprehension of a suspect from Bihar on Saturday.
Singrauli Superintendent of Police (SP) Manish Khatri confirmed the arrest, although the suspect's identity remains undisclosed. Authorities indicated that he is currently being interrogated, and efforts are ongoing to locate the other gang members.
Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Police declared a reward of Rs 50,000 for information that leads to the capture of the fugitives. This announcement came after Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana conducted a review meeting with high-ranking police officials.
During the meeting, Makwana urged officers to enhance inter-state collaboration and accelerate the investigation process. “We are optimistic that the entire network behind this crime will be uncovered shortly. No perpetrators will evade justice,” he asserted.
It is noteworthy that five armed criminals invaded the bank around 1 p.m. on Friday, taking both customers and employees hostage at gunpoint.
The assailants coerced the bank manager into opening lockers that contained pledged gold, indicating they had prior knowledge of the bank's layout.
They made off with approximately 7 to 10 kilograms of gold, worth nearly Rs 15 crore, in addition to Rs 20 lakh in cash. The entire incident unfolded in roughly 15 minutes.
The robbers escaped on two motorcycles towards the Chhattisgarh border, as captured in CCTV footage from nearby shops showing them fleeing with bags.
Law enforcement has cordoned off the bank and is scrutinizing multiple CCTV feeds. A country-made pistol, found near Masjid Tiraaha, has also been seized.
Police units from Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are aiding in the investigation, and further questioning of the detained suspect is anticipated to yield critical insights.