Karnataka: ATM Cash Van Guard Killed in Armed Robbery
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Synopsis
A shocking incident in Bidar, Karnataka, where a group of robbers fatally shot an ATM security guard and seriously injured another while looting a cash vehicle. The BJP suspects a potential link to terrorism in this brazen daytime attack, demanding immediate government action.
Key Takeaways
- Gang of robbers executed a brazen daytime attack.
- ATM security guard was shot dead.
- Another guard sustained serious injuries.
- Robbers escaped with Rs 93 lakh in cash.
- Concerns raised over law and order in Karnataka.
Bengaluru, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has raised concerns about a potential terrorism link in the recent shooting incident involving a gang of robbers who fatally shot a security agency employee, critically injured another, and stole an ATM cash vehicle in Bidar city, Karnataka on Thursday.
B.Y. Vijayendra, the Karnataka BJP State President, expressed that this violent attack on ATM personnel in Bidar signifies an alarming trend.
“The audacity of criminals to execute such an open assault in broad daylight indicates that this should not merely be categorized as a robbery. The involvement of terrorist factions must be considered seriously. The government has to approach this case with utmost gravity,” he stated.
He noted that the state’s law and order situation appears to be deteriorating.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai commented that Karnataka is becoming increasingly lawless, with frequent incidents of daylight robberies and violent attacks on children, leading to a climate of impunity for offenders.
He urged the state government to swiftly enact strict measures against the perpetrators and impose harsh penalties.
In related news, Eshwar B Khandre, the Minister for Forest and District In-charge of Bidar, declared on Thursday that he had instructed the police to take urgent action against those responsible for the shooting in Bidar.
The incident involved a gang of robbers who shot a guard dead, seriously injured another, and looted an ATM cash vehicle in broad daylight within the jurisdiction of the Market police station in Bidar.
This event transpired outside the State Bank of India (SBI) Main Branch in Bidar city, with the robbers fleeing with Rs 93 lakh in cash. The SBI building is located near the District Court and the Deputy Commissioner's office.
The robbers, who had been tailing the cash vehicle, attacked the van as cash was being transferred to the ATM.
According to police accounts, two masked assailants fired five shots at the cash van and its guards. They managed to escape with a trunk containing Rs 93 lakh. Before opening fire, the assailants used chilli powder on the guards.
One of the guards, 40-year-old Giri Venkatesh from Chidri locality in Bidar, died instantly from gunfire, while another guard, Shivakumar, was critically wounded. Medical professionals reported that Shivakumar's condition is extremely severe. He is currently receiving treatment at the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS).
The attack took place at Shivaji Chowk, a central location in Bidar city. The robbers, who were on two motorcycles, executed the assault, took the cash box, and fled. One robber fell off while carrying a trunk filled with money but later retrieved it and escaped on a motorcycle. Bystanders recorded the entire incident on camera.
Despite locals raising alarms, throwing stones, and attempting to catch the robbers, they managed to evade capture.
Sources indicated that both Giri Venkatesh and Shivakumar were employees of CMS Agency, which provides ATM cash-filling services.
The robbers, clad in black jackets and hats, carried backpacks during the operation. The police have obtained CCTV footage and cellphone recordings from the scene and initiated a manhunt for the suspects.
The police have established three special teams and commenced a search operation. They have set up barricades and are inspecting vehicles. Police sources suggest the robbers may be from Bihar and are expected to be apprehended soon.
Rajashekar, the driver of the ATM vehicle, mentioned that the attack occurred while cash was being deposited into the ATM. “I was seated at the front and could not see the assailants. We deliver cash daily for the ATM,” he explained.
“At the time of the incident, the gunman was absent from the vehicle. He had informed us he would join us an hour later. I was unaware of the robbers using chilli powder on the staff,” Rajashekar added.
The family of the deceased Giri Venkatesh raised concerns over the absence of the gunman, leading to protests and demands for government compensation.
Panic ensued in the vicinity following the attack and robbery.
Bidar SP Pradeep Gunti confirmed that the incident occurred between 10:55 AM and 11 AM near the SBI main branch. While cash was being filled into the ATM, the motorcycle-borne criminals shot one staff member dead, and another employee, who suffered gunshot wounds, is currently hospitalized. They managed to escape with the cash trunks.
