ATM Robbery Goes Wrong as Thieves Accidentally Burn ₹21 Lakh During Heist in Mumbai

Thane: In a failed attempt to rob an ATM in Maharashtra’s Thane district, unidentified thieves triggered a fire with a gas cutter, destroying Rs 21 lakh in stored cash, as reported by the police on Monday. The incident occurred at an ATM kiosk of a nationalized bank in Vishnu Nagar, Dombivali, during the early hours of January 13.

According to officials, the perpetrators broke the shutter lock to gain access to the ATM kiosk between 1 AM and 2 AM on January 13. While attempting to open the ATM with a gas cutter, the intense heat generated led to a fire. The blaze caused severe damage to the internal components of the ATM, resulting in the loss of the machine and the entire cash amount.

The Electronic Payment Systems official managing the ATM centre provided details leading to the registration of an FIR by the police. The estimated loss from the incident is Rs 21,11,800.

An FIR has been filed against the unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 457 (Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night), 380 (Theft in any building, tent, or vessel), and 427 (Committing mischief and thereby causing loss or damage to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards).