JOIN USTwo youths have been arrested for robbing Rs 16.08 lakh from an automated teller machine (ATM) of Axis Bank in Vasant Vihar area of south Delhi, police said on Sunday.
Umakant Tiwari, 26, and Bindesh Yadav, 21, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, had vandalised the ATM on June 17.
“They were apprehended from Andheria More and R K Puram after a tip-off on Saturday. We have also recovered Rs 14.01 lakh cash from them,” said Chhaya Sharma, deputy commissioner of police (south).
On sustained interrogation, Umakant revealed that he along with Bindesh had hatched a conspiracy two months ago to steal money from the ATM after getting inspired by television serials CID and Crime Patrol.
They carefully planned the heist by identifying a secluded ATM and getting employed as guards on fake IDs. “They used to practise cutting iron sheets with gas cutters. After enough experience, they committed the theft and parted the stolen money equally,” Sharma added.
The initial investigation revealed the ATM machine was cut with the help of gas cutters and other sophisticated equipments.
“The CCTV cameras were also found tampered with the help of black tapes to avoid footage. It was also found that ATM security guard Manoj, who was employed on June 9, was also missing,” Sharma said.
On enquiry, it was revealed that the company through which the guard was employed had done no verification. Only a photocopy of class 10 marksheet without any photographs was available with the company.
The AXIS Bank’s technical team was also called and CCTV footage recorded in the hard disk from the hidden camera was analysed. Manoj was found fixing the tapes after partially covering his face by wearing a cap in the footage.
“A house to house search was later conducted at Mohammadpur village after which it was found that Umakant and Bindesh were involved in the crime,” Sharma added.
On verification of facts and from secret information it was revealed that Umakant planned to flee from Delhi.
Subsequently, Umakant was caught near Andheria More on Saturday and Rs 7.32 lakh was recovered from his possession. At his instance, Bindesh was also arrested from R K Puram sector-6 and Rs 6.69 lakh was recovered from him.