Stephen Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Sep 9: The policemen have intensified investigation into the daylight robbery which occurred at Kudlu Service Cooperative Bank's Eriyal branch in the district on Monday September 7. They have suspicion over some local youth. At present, the investigation is believed to be centred around two persons who have gone missing all of a sudden.

The policemen have reason to suspect involvement of these two, as they had been involved with an incident of burglary in the past. Therefore, the role of these two, and three more, who are said to be close to the duo, in the bank robbery is being closely examined.

The fact that the bank did not have closed circuit television cameras and security guard, has made the job of the police difficult as they have been unable to get clues about the robbers. The police team has made arrangements to seal the state's borders to see that the robbed gold ornaments are not smuggled outside the state. Information is also being pooled about those who were recently released after their jail terms, after having been convicted of bank robberies, and also about the gang which had robbed this bank about 14 years back. The policemen believe that the gold ornaments taken away from the bank would have been hidden somewhere within the district. As there is every possibility that the robbers might try to sell these ornaments, policemen from neighbouring states have been asked to be vigilant.

The robbers, who barged into the above bank at around 2 pm on Monday had threatened the employees, brandished sharp weapons, and taken away 21 kg gold ornaments and Rs 13 lac in cash from the lockers. The people who had pledged their ornaments to this bank to raise loans are now worried, as their ornaments have been robbed. Many feel that the chances of getting compensation for the gold and/or insurance amount for the ornaments are remote. The fact that this is not a nationalized bank, has added to the woes of its customers, as many stringent measures have been given a go by. Customers are accusing the bank management of not learning lessons from the previous robbery and failing to take additional security measures to safeguard the assets of the bank and its customers. Many have pledged all their ornaments to raise loans towards education, house, marriage, treatment expenses etc. Many are blaming the bank and its employees for the negligent handling of securities entrusted to them by customers who believed that the bank would be making elaborate security arrangements to safeguard their interests.

A special team led by deputy superintendent of police, Ranjith, has been formed to nab the culprits. The department hopes to crack the case on the basis of some clues on hand.