Thieves targets SBI branches in Anantapuram, escapes with crores rupees

A chilling pattern of ATM heists has gripped Anantapuram district, with thieves appearing to target State Bank of India (SBI) ATMs with relentless precision. Over the past two months, four such ATMs have been attacked, with three incidents occurring in just the last week alone. These brazen criminals have left the police scrambling as they employ gas cutters to breach ATMs and make off with vast sums of money, often under the cover of night.
On the midnight of August 3 (Saturday), thieves struck the SBI ATM adjacent to Kamma Bhavan in Anantapur, absconding with Rs. 30 lakhs. The miscreants used a gas cutter to dismantle the ATM machine and steal the cash. The entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras. Based on the complaint lodged by the bank staff, the fourth town police registered a case and initiated an investigation.
Just a day prior, on August 2 (Friday), another theft took place at an SBI deposit ATM in Kallur, Garladinne mandal. Unidentified individuals, using similar tactics, broke into the machine and made away with Rs. 3,28,600. The Hyderabad head office swiftly alerted Kallur Bank Manager Ramanjibabu and the local police. CCTV footage revealed that three masked individuals arrived in a car and executed the theft at 2:42 AM. SI Sridhar registered a case and has begun probing the incident.
Another alarming incident occurred on July 27 at the SBI branch within the JNTUA University campus in Anantapur city. Thieves entered the premises around midnight, removing window grills to gain access. Despite the security alarm being triggered and two CCTV cameras being destroyed, the thieves managed to break into the strong room with a gas cutter and loot Rs. 39 lakhs. The thieves were meticulous, leaving no fingerprints behind. Bank staff discovered the theft in the morning and notified the police. Upon reviewing the remaining CCTV footage, police suspect seasoned criminals behind the heist, as the culprits had masked their faces.
Earlier, on June 7, an SBI ATM in Kooderu mandal on the Anantapur-Bellari main road was attacked at midnight. Thieves stole Rs. 18,41,300 after cutting open the ATM with knives. However, a short circuit caused by the tampering led to loud noises, prompting the miscreants to flee hurriedly in a car when locals came out to investigate. CI Sivaram registered a case and is leading the investigation into this incident.
The series of thefts has sparked concerns among residents and bank officials alike, urging heightened security measures and swift action from law enforcement to curb this spree of crimes