Robbers loot Rs 18.5 lakh from ATM cash loaders

Two unidentified bike-borne men robbed Rs 18.5 lakh from a private agency staffer who was loading cash at the ICICI ATM kiosk near Jalahalli Cross, North Bengaluru, on Monday morning.

According to police, the incident happened at 6.30 am on Monday. "Three staff members of the agency (Secure Well Security Services) - Sagar, Mohan and Prasanna - had gone to Jalahalli Cross ICICI ATM to replenish it. They were followed by the bike-borne duo, who then waited near the ATM," police said.

Meanwhile, Mohan and Prasanna went inside the ATM kiosk to open the machine. When Sagar got down with the cash bag, he was attacked by the two who tried to snatch the bag from him. Sagar resisted, but was stabbed on the chest, shoulder, and legs. By the time Mohan and Prasanna came to his rescue, the duo had fled with the cash, police said.

Police said that there was no gunman in the van, which is mandatory as per rules.

Sagar is recovering at Sparsh Hospital. The police visited the hospital and recorded Sagar's statement. According to him, the two men, aged between 25 and 30 years, had covered their faces with helmet.

The Bagalagunte police have formed a separate team to nab the miscreants.

Police said the agency had brought Rs 1.25 crore in cash to replenish five ATM kiosks. Sagar had taken Rs 18.5 lakh in a bag to replenish the Jalahalli Cross ATM. Police are examining CCTV camera footage in the area.

The ATM kiosk is just 300 metres away from Rockline Mall.