Rs 11 Lakh Stolen from Axis Bank ATM in Gummidipoondi Using Welding Machine

Unidentified persons broke open an Axis Bank automated teller machine (ATM) using a welding machine and stole Rs 11 lakh at Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district during the early hours of Thursday.

The incident occurred along the Pudhu Gummidipoondi Road near the bypass, where the Axis Bank kiosk is situated in a building adjacent to an Indian Overseas Bank ATM.

The burglary came to light on Thursday morning when a customer visited the ATM to withdraw cash. Upon finding the machine heavily damaged, the customer immediately alerted the police, after which officers rushed to the spot to launch an investigation.

During the preliminary inspection, the Sipcot police discovered that the perpetrators had sprayed black paint over the CCTV cameras inside the kiosk to avoid identification. The gang then utilized a welding machine to cut open the ATM and extract the cash compartment.

According to police inquiries, bank officials had loaded Rs 12 lakh into the machine two days prior to the incident, of which Rs 11 lakh was stolen.

Police sources stated that more than two persons were involved in the robbery. The gang also attempted to break into the neighbouring Indian Overseas Bank ATM, but fled the scene after their attempt failed.

Following the burglary, Tiruvallur Superintendent of Police V V Sai Praneeth formed five special teams to track down and arrest the suspects. The Sipcot police have registered a case under sections related to house-breaking and robbery.

The theft in Gummidipoondi occurred just two days after Rs 9 lakh was stolen from an ICICI Bank ATM near Somangalam.