Thane: Attempted ATM Robbery in Dombivli Turns Disastrous: Rs 21 Lakh Lost in Blaze
Dombivli, 15th January 2024: An attempted ATM robbery in Maharashtra’s Thane district ended disastrously as thieves, using a gas cutter to break into the machine, unintentionally triggering a fire. The incident unfolded in the early hours of January 13 at an ATM kiosk of a nationalized bank located in Vishnu Nagar, Dombivli township.
Unidentified burglars forcibly entered the ATM kiosk between 1 AM and 2 AM by breaking the shutter lock. They intended to open the ATM using a gas cutter, a method often employed in such criminal activities. However, the intense heat generated during the process unexpectedly ignited a fire, resulting in the destruction of the ATM and the loss of Rs 21 lakh in stored cash.
The fire caused extensive damage to the internal components of the ATM, rendering it unusable. The estimated value of the cash that was destroyed in the blaze is reported to be Rs 21,11,800. The incident came to light when Electronic Payment Systems officials managing the ATM centre reported the incident, leading to the initiation of necessary legal actions.
Following the attempted robbery and subsequent fire, an FIR has been filed by the Electronic Payment Systems official with the local police. The case has been registered against the unidentified culprits under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 457 (housebreaking), 380 (theft), and 427 (mischief causing loss or damage).
Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the case to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the attempted ATM robbery and the ensuing fire.
