3 ATM robbers caught red-handed with loot

Malavalli Town Police have taken three men into custody for allegedly robbing cash meant for refilling an ATM near Jalahalli Cross, North Bengaluru and recovered Rs 15.25 lakh cash from them, on Tuesday.

The arrested men identified as Abhi, Nitish and Rakshit of Malavalli and Maddur taluks. The police on patrol found the trio moving in a suspicious manner near a hotel on Mysuru Road in the town. When the police intercepted them, the trio started running. Police chased them down and seized their bags. On checking the bags police found the cash.

On enquiry, the trio confessed to have looted an ATM in Bengaluru. Of the Rs 18.50 lakh that they had stolen, they had spent around Rs 3 lakh.

However, the location of ATM the they confessed to have burgled is yet to be ascertained. Police, said all the three were inebriated and could not give proper information.

Police said the incident occurred at 6.30 am on Monday. Three staff members of a private agency (Secure Well Security Services) Sagar, Mohan and Prasanna had been to Jalahalli Cross ICICI ATM to replenish it.

The accused allegedly followed them and robbed them of the cash.

Bagalagunte police said, they received information about the arrested in the evening. There is a suspicion that one more person involved in the crime and a police team has left to Malavalli to take custody of the other accused.

The Whitefield Division Police has closed down 35 ATM kiosks which did not have security guards, following the recent incident. The police personnel also called a meeting with the bank officials in the city to improve security in ATM kiosks.