City Police Commissioner Raghavendra H Auradkar on Thursday said ATMs in crowded areas can be open even without security guards. He also issued a fresh 45-day ultimatum to banks to install CCTVs and alarm systems in ATM kiosks.
He said the new order allows banks more time to have safeguards in place and the decision was taken after a meeting with the State-level Bankers’ Committee.
The committee said the November 26 deadline was too short a notice as banks had to procure CCTVs and alarm systems through tenders. It comprised members of Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank and Andhra Bank among others.
The committee also appealed to Auradkar to exempt ATM kiosks in crowded spots like bus stops, railway stations, premises of religious and education institutions, multi-storeyed complexes, villas and registered clubs, from appointing security guards.
They also said ATM kiosks operate as extension centres of banks as people withdraw and deposit money at them.
Considering the committee’s concerns, Auradkar reviewed the order, issued under section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, which mandated security compliance at ATMs and the closure of kiosks that violated security guidelines.
“Barring those ATMs kiosks in crowded places, all other ATMs should have guards. All ATMs will get 45 days more for the installation of CCTVs and alarm systems,” he said.
Kerala CM Visits Victim
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy visited Jyothi Uday, victim of the November 19 ATM attack.
He spoke to her for 15 minutes and also interacted with her family at BGS Global Hospitals in the city, where she is undergoing treatment.
Dr N K Venkataramana, vice chairman of the hospital, said Jyothi had been shifted from the ICU to a ward and was well on her way to recovery.