Bantwal, January 13: Burglary has occurred in a cooperative bank at the main road, on NH-75 at BC Road in which the burglars have decamped with valuables including cash and jewelry worth 1.6 crores.
The theft came to light on Monday January 12th. But by evening, it was learnt that the cash and jewels stolen was worth Rs 1.65 crore and not Rs 6 crore as informed by the officials earlier.
As per initial information obtained by the cops, gold jewelry weighing 22.28 kg and cash altogether worth Rs six crore have been taken away by the thieves.
The burglars had gained entry to the bank by cutting the grills of its rear window that opens out to a small lane. Later they broke open the locker and took away the cash and jewels worth crores of rupees. The theft came to light after the bank staff opened the doors on Monday morning. The cable of the burglar alarm system in the bank was found to be cut. The burglars apparently broke the locker using instruments such as iron rods. It is suspected that the burglary might have taken place between 10pm and 12am at night, states the complaint.
Bantwal ASP Rahul Kumar, circle inspector Belliappa, town inspector Nandakumar, and rural inspector Rakshit visited the spot and investigated. Canine squad and forensic experts were also brought to the bank for investigations.
As the bank was closed on Saturday and Sunday, it is suspected that the burglary might have been taken place during the night either on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The bank is situatd close to the National Highway-75 lacks security system such as CC cameras and Security Guaard. The theft tracking operation has become a challenging task for the cops due to lack of security measures.
SP Dr S D Sharanappa has visited the bank on Monday afternoon and undertaken investigations.
Speaking to reporters he said that the failure of the bank to provide security has paved way for the theft. Even though valuables worth Rs 6 crore were kept in the locker, there was no security guard or CCTV camera. It was easy for the thieves to remove the window grills and enter the bank. Three special teams will be formed to trace the thieves, he said.
Bantwal town police have registered a case.
