Odisha: Police dismantles ATM theft syndicate, three suspects apprehended following gunfire
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Synopsis
Odisha Police has apprehended three suspects involved in an ATM theft gang after a confrontation that resulted in one suspect being shot. The gang is known for employing deceptive tactics to rob ATM users. Authorities believe this arrest will reduce ATM thefts in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Police apprehended three ATM theft suspects.
- One suspect was injured during a brief exchange of gunfire.
- The gang utilized deceptive tactics to rob ATM users.
- Authorities hope this arrest will lower ATM theft incidents.
- Confiscated items included a pistol, cash, and numerous ATM cards.
Bhubaneswar, March 9 (NationPress) The Odisha Commissionerate Police successfully dismantled an ATM theft syndicate following a brief gunfire exchange on Sunday. During the incident, one suspect was injured by a bullet near the Kesura area within the Badagada Police jurisdiction in Bhubaneswar, as reported by Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh.
The suspect, who was shot in the left leg, was promptly transported to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for medical care.
“One gang member was injured during an encounter with our special squad early this morning. The injured suspect is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Police have apprehended three individuals, including the injured suspect,” stated Singh.
The injured suspect, identified as Deepak Kumar (25), hails from Nawada district in Bihar. His accomplices are Deepak Kumar Pande (24) from Nawada, Bihar, and Abhisekh Kumar Singh (32) from Chatra, Jharkhand. Commissioner Singh also disclosed that these suspects are implicated in two cases in Bihar, one in Jharkhand, and four in Odisha, including two cases each in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
The police commissioner expressed optimism that the apprehension of these individuals would significantly reduce ATM theft incidents in the city and its vicinity. Authorities have confiscated a country-made 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol, one live ammunition round, two fired cartridges, a white TATA Harrier vehicle, cash amounting to Rs 12,000, three mobile phones, quick-fix adhesives, 12 ATM cards belonging to various customers, a knife, and other incriminating materials.
According to city police sources, the three suspects are part of a well-organized interstate criminal gang from Bihar that sabotages ATM machines by using adhesive in the card slot. They also display a mobile number at the ATM, masquerading as the bank's helpline. When customers attempt to withdraw cash and their cards become stuck due to the adhesive, they unwittingly provide their passwords and other banking details when calling the fake helpline. The criminals then retrieve the card from the ATM and use a sharp knife to access the victim's account and withdraw cash.
