CHANDIGARH: Punjab police on Tuesday arrested a three-member gang in Kapurthala, allegedly involved in looting 34 ATMs in the last four years across four states.
They were arrested after they broke open the ATM of Oriental Bank of Commerce in Sultanpur Lodhi on the intervening night of July 19 and 20 and stole `11.43 lakh. The gang was known for cracking open ATMs within seven minutes.
The accused have been identified as Inderjit Singh of Rama Mandi, Amrik Singh of Tarn Taran and Prince of Jalandhar. All of them are Class X drop-outs.
Senior superintendent of police of Kapurthala, Sandeep Sharma told the New Indian Express, said, “Four years ago, the main accused Inderjit saw how money was loaded in the ATM by bank officials. He then tried to learn the whole process by asking officials who used to put the money.’’
“He took a loan of `25,000 from a friend, bought a gas cutter and steel sheets and fabricated a duplicate ATM model to try and crack it open. He perfected his art four years ago, got two of his associates — Amrik and Prince — involved and thus started looting ATMs. During the robbery they used to wear masks, jackets and gloves and used to cut open the ATM in just seven minutes,’’ said Sharma.
Sharma said, “During their interrogation the accused admitted that they have collectively looted `3.25 crore and then divided their shares. While Inderjit bought plots, Amrik has bought a plot in Taran Tarn and was now constructing a house and Prince had sent some money and invested the rest of the amount.’’ They have been booked under Sections 392, 482, 457, 380 and 411 of the IPC. Sharma said the stolen car used was captured in one of the CCTVs.
Inspector general of police (Jalandhar zone) Arpit Shukla said that one of the accused was an employee of a car showroom and he had looted the car of a doctor at Amritsar two months back.
es and some intoxicating capsules were recovered. The car was also found to be fitted with gas cylinders and pipes.
Inspector general of police (Jalandhar zone) Arpit Shukla said that one of the accused was an employee of a car showroom and he had looted the car of a doctor at Amritsar two months back.