Gas Cutter ATM Heist in Delhi: Rs 4.8 Lakh Stolen in Early Morning Raid
In a brazen early morning incident, unidentified men allegedly used a gas cutter to break open an ATM in northwest Delhi's Ashok Vihar Phase-I, making off with approximately Rs 4.8 lakh. The theft occurred on Saturday morning, with police arriving at the scene to find the ATM machine severely damaged and partially burnt.
Details of the ATM Break-In
According to police reports, the incident took place around 4 am. Preliminary investigations suggest that two men arrived at the ATM in a four-wheeler. At the time, no security guard was stationed outside the ATM, providing an opportunity for the suspects to carry out their plan undetected.
The suspects used a gas cutter to slice through parts of the machine, gaining access to the cash trays. This method not only allowed them to steal the money but also caused significant burn damage inside the kiosk due to the intense heat generated by the tool.
Police Investigation and Evidence Collection
A police officer involved in the case stated that a patrol team was moving in the area around the same time. The suspects allegedly hid when the patrol vehicle passed by and later resumed their attempt to break open the machine. CCTV footage from the area shows the men entering and leaving the ATM kiosk, providing crucial visual evidence for the investigation.
In addition to the video analysis, investigators have lifted six chance fingerprints from the ATM kiosk. These prints will be examined for clues to help identify the perpetrators. Police are also analyzing CCTV footage from the ATM booth and nearby areas to trace the vehicle used in the crime and gather more details on the suspects' movements.
Legal Actions and Case Registration
A case has been registered at the Ashok Vihar police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for theft and damage to property. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on:
- Identifying the suspects through fingerprint and CCTV analysis.
- Tracing the vehicle used in the heist.
- Determining if this incident is linked to other similar crimes in the region.
This ATM heist highlights ongoing security concerns in urban areas, particularly regarding the protection of financial infrastructure. Police have urged ATM operators to enhance security measures, such as ensuring the presence of guards during vulnerable hours, to prevent such incidents in the future.
