Chennai: An ATM heist attempt in the busy Teynampet market was thwarted by people of the area who rushed to the ICICI kiosk and nabbed a man who was trying to break open the machine using a crowbar.
While S Karthik, 36, of Mandaveli, was handed over to police, his accomplice Seena, 45, of Kannagi Nagar, who kept watch outside, fled.The incident occurred around 4.45pm on Eldams Road.
Police said Karthik entered the room next to the ATM, where there were at least six sets of batteries fitted to a UPS unit. He used an iron rod and a sharp weapon to break the batteries.
On hearing the noise from the kiosk, a few people came rushing to the spot. Seena escaped. Residents alerted police and nabbed Karthik. He was later brought to the Teynampet crime wing police station for further investigation.