Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SB)
Mangalore, Jun 20: Kerala IGP Tomin J Thachankary on Friday June 19 said that police suspect involvement of five-member team behind the robbery committed at Periya branch of North Malabar Grameena Bank on Thursday, June 18.
Speaking to media persons on Friday, June 19 evening, Thachankary said that the robbery was executed by the team in connivance with some of the locals. The robbers were assisted by the locals in planning the robbery as well as in their escape, he suspected. Vital clues have been obtained that points out the robbers proceeded towards Kasargod after the crime, he said.
Stating that the clues obtained further point out that the robbers were helped by the people from outside the state, IGP said that to investigate in this direction police team have been sent to Madikeri, Puttur and Sullia in Karnataka. Investigation involving Karnataka is prioritized. He expressed confidence that the culprits will be behind the bars soon.
Shortcoming in safety measures a reason?
The lack of security measures in the bank is said to be the main reason that enabled the robbers whisk away easily with bounty loot.
The building of the bank is in deteriorated condition and the windows as well as the doors of the bank are not secure enough. These lapses contributed to effortless entry of the robbers into the bank.
Further, improper safety locker that exists to keep the jewels and cash added to the woes of the bank. In two instances earlier failed attempt to rob the bank was reported.
It can be recalled here that the bank within the Bekal police station limits was looted of Rs 3 crore worth gold jewellery and Rs 6.75 lac from its safe room in the wee hours on Thursday. Three special team comprising 15-men team led by Hosadurga Deputy Superintendent of Police P Habeeb Rehman, team of three circle inspectors and three sub-inspectors and a team led by ASI has been constituted.
A glove, six chisels, two hammers and a few iron rods were found on Friday, June 19. Earlier, the policemen had collected samples of six thumb impressions which they believe, belong to the robbers. A sickle left behind by the robbers, three gloves and a cash box too was found on Thursday. Foot prints of the robbers were found inside bank premises.