Kerala Police Commended for Rapid Arrest in Federal Bank Heist Incident

Thrissur, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Kerala Police garnered accolades on Monday for their prompt response in apprehending Rijo Antony, a resident of Chalakudy, related to the audacious daytime theft at the Federal Bank branch in Pota, close to Chalakudy, Thrissur.

Antony, who resided near the bank, managed to flee with Rs 15 lakh during his second attempt on Friday. Armed with a knife, he invaded the bank and within three minutes seized cash from the counter’s cash box after threatening the employees before escaping.

The only initial evidence was CCTV footage depicting the suspect arriving on a motorcycle, donned in a helmet and jacket, and carrying a shoulder bag. He parked in front of the bank, brandished a knife at two staff members, compelled them into a cabin, and broke the glass panes of the cash counter with a chair before absconding with the cash.

For the subsequent 56 hours, the police conducted an extensive investigation. Late on Sunday, a significant contingent of armed officers located the suspect at his residence, where they were surprised to discover a lavish mansion. Antony was apprehended and quickly confessed to the crime.

Investigations disclosed that Antony had returned from abroad a few years ago with his two young children, while his wife continued her nursing job in Kuwait. After his return, he was unemployed yet maintained a lavish lifestyle with friends. He confessed to law enforcement that he had accrued debts totaling Rs 5 million and was increasingly anxious as his wife was preparing to return permanently. He had squandered all the money she had entrusted to him.

Authorities learned that Antony had initially intended to execute the heist on February 11 but delayed it after noticing a police jeep nearby. CCTV footage from Monday also captured him participating in a church festival near his residence. On that day, he removed the registration plate from a motorcycle and later attached it to his own scooter to carry out the robbery.

The pivotal breakthrough in the case occurred when police traced the scooter used in the robbery, which had advanced logistic controls, leading them directly to Antony. He admitted that he had utilized part of the stolen funds to settle a friend's debt of Rs 2.90 lakh, while the remaining amount was recovered from his home on Monday.

On Sunday night, following news of Antony’s arrest, the friend who had received Rs 2.90 lakh voluntarily reported to the police station, claiming he was oblivious to the fact that the money was stolen.

Antony's friends and family were left stunned after his arrest. He is expected to be presented before a local court soon and is likely to be remanded.

Meanwhile, the police continue their investigation to ascertain if he had any accomplices. One perplexing aspect of the case remains—the bank staff verified that Rs 45 lakh, stacked in nine bundles, was on the counter at the time, yet Antony took only three bundles, leaving the rest.