Bantwal: Fortune favours bank - Thieves fail in attempt to loot gold, cash

Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Sep 2: An unsuccessful attempt by thieves to loot a cooperative bank in Kolnad here came to light on Monday September 2.

The thieves who entered the bank through the window, looked for gold and tried to open the locker with a gas cutter and escaped after being unsuccessful in their attempt.

Gas cylinders, cutter, torch lights and other tools were found inside the bank. Vittal police, Bantwal circle inspector, finger print experts and dog squad arrived at the spot.  Investigation is in progress.

The Vittal Padnoor Agricultural Cooperative Bank branch situated at Kudtamugeru in Kolnad has gold ornaments worth over Rs two crore in its lockers, besides cash amounting to more than Rs two lac, according to the bank staff.  As the theft attempt failed, the cash and valuables remained intact.

Insufficient security

The customers have expressed anguish at the bank for failing to provide necessary security.  The bank neither has a CCTV nor a siren.  There is no watchman either.  The robbers might have known the poor level of security, it is said.
 
The staff who closed the bank on Saturday evening and came to work at 9.30 am on Monday September 2 came to know of the attempt to loot only after their arrival. It is suspected that the attempt took place either on Saturday or Sunday. When the news spread, anxious customers assembled at the bank. They heaved sighs of relief only after checking that the valuables were intact.
 
Bantwal circle inspector Anil S Kulkarni, Vittal inspector Madhavakudlu and staff inspected the place.  A case has been registered in the Vittal police station.