The police have intensified the search with in the State and outside for the suspect who robbed ₹15 lakh from the Potta branch of Federal Bank after threatening employees at knife-point on Friday.
Despite no solid leads, a special investigation team, led by Chalakudy DySP P. Sumesh, is working to piece together clues, focussing on CCTV footage and exploring the possibility of habitual criminals behind the crime.
A team of 25 officers, including experts from the Cyber Special Squad, is involved in the investigation.
The police believe that the suspect deliberately spoke in Hindi during robbery to throw investigators off the trail. The suspect could have scouted the bank beforehand, familiarising himself with the layout and security systems. His choice to strike during lunch hours suggests he timed the robbery to avoid customer traffic.
The theft, carried out in broad daylight at the busy Potta Junction, near Chalakudy, stunned locals. Initial reports indicate the thief may have fled towards Angamaly side on a scooter, but the police are yet to trace the vehicle.
The police have not ruled out the possibility that the suspect may have crossed the State borders. Another angle being pursued is whether the suspect boarded a train at Angamaly and had outside assistance in planning and executing the crime.
The police infer that the individual might not be a seasoned professional as the suspect took only ₹15 lakh although the bank counter held ₹47 lakh.
Published - February 15, 2025 09:17 pm IST
