In a daring daylight robbery, six masked men armed with pistols stormed a public sector bank branch in Barbil, Keonjhar district, on Monday afternoon. The armed assailants held staff and customers hostage at gunpoint before making off with a massive haul of gold and cash.
Hostage Situation and Swift Loot
The brazen heist unfolded around 2 pm when the branch contained five customers and ten staff members. Witnesses reported that the masked men brandished pistols as they entered the premises. They immediately shut the main door to prevent anyone from escaping.
The robbers seized mobile phones from everyone present inside the bank. They then confined all hostages to a single room. With staff and customers under their control, the gang targeted the bank's safe deposit lockers.
Massive Gold and Cash Haul
According to preliminary investigations, the robbers escaped with approximately 4-5 kilograms of gold linked to gold loan accounts. Police estimate the gold's value at between four and five crore rupees. The thieves also took about eight lakh rupees in cash during their operation.
Keonjhar Superintendent of Police Nitin Kusalkar confirmed the approximate value of stolen assets. "We are currently verifying the exact figures," Kusalkar stated. "Multiple police teams have been formed to track down the culprits."
Police Investigation and Security Lapses
Police authorities revealed a significant security lapse at the time of the incident. The Barbil branch had no security guard on duty when the robbery occurred. This absence of protection may have facilitated the gang's easy entry and control of the situation.
SP Kusalkar expressed frustration about repeated safety advisories ignored by the bank. "We have consistently advised banks in the district, including this particular branch, to install advanced CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and deploy guards," he explained. "Unfortunately, this branch did not follow our safety recommendations."
Escape and Investigation Details
The entire robbery operation lasted barely fifteen minutes according to police sources. Local residents and neighboring shopkeepers remained completely unaware of the incident as it unfolded. The robbers fled the scene on five motorcycles, leaving locals to discover the crime only after their departure.
Police are examining CCTV footage from both the bank and nearby areas. Given Barbil's proximity to the Jharkhand border, investigators suspect the gang may have originated from that neighboring state. Witnesses reported hearing the robbers conversing in both Hindi and Odia during the loot.
Bank Manager's Harrowing Account
Bank manager P K Burnwal recounted the terrifying ordeal faced by staff and customers. "They threatened to shoot us if we didn't open the lockers," Burnwal revealed. "They took cash and packets of gold before fleeing."
When questioned about the absence of security personnel, Burnwal offered an explanation. "Our bank does not have the provision for a guard at this branch," he stated. "However, our CCTV surveillance system was functional during the incident."
Police Response and Community Impact
Keonjhar police have sounded a high alert following the dramatic robbery. Authorities have established blockades across the district and are monitoring all possible escape routes. The intensive search operation aims to intercept the fleeing criminals before they can leave the region.
Although no physical injuries were reported during the incident, the robbery has triggered significant panic among local residents. The audacious nature of the daylight heist has raised concerns about banking security in the area, particularly in branches located near state borders.
Police continue their investigation while examining all available evidence. The combination of witness statements, CCTV footage, and forensic analysis may provide crucial leads in identifying and apprehending the armed gang responsible for this major bank robbery.
