RAJKOT: Huge amount of cash, suspected to be a little over Rs one crore, was stolen from the
State Bank of India (
SBI) main branch in Amreli town on the intervening night of September 1 and September 2.
Three burglars burrowed through the bank's rear wall and directly entered the strong room where the cash was kept in a safe. They first sneaked into a dilapidated house located just behind the bank, broke its window, which was very close to the bank building.
CCTV footages showed there were three persons with their faces covered with handkerchiefs and wearing gloves. They stayed inside the bank for at least 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bank was closed for three days since Saturday.
When the bank employees opened the branch on Tuesday morning, they were shocked to find the safe opened and huge amount of cash missing.
Amreli police have formed two teams each of special operations group (SOG) and local crime branch (LCB) to crack the case. They are trying to narrow down on people arrested earlier for such thefts and burglaries to get more clues. One team is checking all the CCTV footages on the main roads and highways.
"They deliberately chose to enter from behind as the front portion opens in the main market and there were chances that someone might spot them," said police sources.
Forensic experts and dog squad have been engaged in the probe.
The house behind the bank from where burglars entered
