Odisha Police Nabs Interstate Gang Behind ATM Heists; ₹10 Lakh Loot Recovered

Balasore: Odisha Police on Monday arrested five individuals linked to an interstate gang responsible for two ATM heists in the Soro and Khaira areas of Balasore district. The incidents occurred during the night of January 10 and 11, resulting in the theft of over Rs 10 lakhs. All suspects are natives of various regions in Haryana.

The miscreants executed the heists by breaking into two ATMs and escaped after threatening security personnel with firearms. Police teams pursued the gang upon receiving information about the ATM incidents. Despite the culprits pointing guns at the pursuing officers, they managed to flee in a stolen white Suzuki Breeza car, later abandoned on a wooden bridge in the Khunta Police Station area. The vehicle was traced back to a theft in New Delhi.

Through a combination of information from the abandoned car, the deployment of scientific teams, dog squads, cyber cell assistance, and CCTV footage analysis, three police teams conducted extensive searches within and outside the district. Ultimately, the accused were apprehended in Bhubaneswar.

Sagarika Nath, Superintendent of Police, Balasore, stated that six individuals were involved in the criminal activities, with efforts underway to locate the remaining fugitive. The police confiscated Rs 6,13,700 in cash from the suspects, along with a pistol, ammunition, and other incriminating materials.