Armed robbery at Central Bank CSP in Sitamarhi; ₹1.70 lakh looted at gunpoint
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Three armed men allegedly robbed a Customer Service Point (CSP) of the Central Bank of India in Anhadi village, Sitamarhi district, Bihar, on Wednesday, making off with approximately ₹1.70 lakh in broad daylight. The incident, which unfolded under the Riga police station limits, was captured on CCTV cameras, according to police.
How the Robbery Unfolded
CSP operator Rajeshwar Thakur was inside his shop when three suspects arrived on an Apache motorcycle. The men allegedly entered the premises, pulled down the shutter to seal the space, and threatened Thakur at gunpoint with a pistol. They then allegedly snatched cash from the counter as well as money from Thakur's pockets before fleeing the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Riga Police Station personnel reached the site shortly after being alerted and launched a formal investigation. Officials are currently examining CCTV footage from the CSP and surrounding locations to trace the suspects' movements. According to preliminary findings, the entire sequence of events was recorded on surveillance cameras.
Rajiv Kumar Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of the Riga Police Station, said investigators have already identified the suspected robbers and are conducting continuous raids to apprehend them. 'We have registered an FIR based on the written complaint lodged by CSP owner Rajeshwar Thakur against three individuals at Riga Police Station,' Singh said, expressing confidence that the case would be resolved soon.
Community Concerns Over Security
The daylight heist has renewed anxiety among local residents about security in the area. Community members have urged police to arrest the accused promptly and introduce stronger preventive measures to deter similar crimes. This comes amid broader concerns over the vulnerability of rural banking touchpoints — CSPs that serve as the last-mile financial access for underbanked populations — to criminal targeting.
What Happens Next
The investigation remains active, with police raids ongoing. Further developments are expected as authorities continue to analyse CCTV evidence and pursue the suspects. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security protocols at CSP outlets across Bihar's rural districts.