An attempt to loot a nationalised bank near Vedaranyam came to light on Monday. Jewels worth `15 crore and cash were saved.
Sources said the culprits tried to loot the jewels and cash from the Thopputhurai branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) by breaking the window rods on the left side of the building with the help of a gas-welding equipment.
As their attempt failed, they abandoned their efforts. Jewels placed in the lockers, valued at `15 crore and cash of `38 lakh, were left untouched by the culprits.
As Sunday was a holiday, officials came to know the incident only on Monday. Branch Manager P S G Shanmugaraj lodged a complaint with the police.
Fingerprint experts and sniffer dogs were pressed into service. Vedaranyam police filed a case and are investigating.
Some months ago, there was a similar bid to loot the Agriculture and Rural Development Bank near the Vedaranyam police station.
Last week, a retired headmaster was robbed of cash worth `32,000 which he withdrew from the Indian Bank. The series of robbery has created fear among the public.