Unique ATM cash theft bid foiled in Agartala, two detained

A unique attempt to steal cash from an ATM was foiled in Agartala after alert local residents detained two suspected fraudsters and handed them over to the police.

The incident took place on Sunday evening at a Punjab National Bank (PNB)-operated ATM kiosk in the Kadamtali area under West Agartala Police Station.

Local residents informed the police that the two accused had allegedly devised an unusual method to steal the cash, like ATM skimming. They had reportedly applied glue and fixed a small piece of plywood over the cash dispensing slot. As a result, the ATM was unable to deliver the cash to a customer, while the notes also failed to retract into the machine because the dispensing channel remained obstructed.

The customer using the ATM, as he said, was unable to complete his transaction successfully, and the amount was debited from the bank account. However, the cash failed to come out through the dispenser, leaving the user puzzled. Believing it to be a technical malfunction, the customer was about to leave the kiosk after receiving SMS alerts confirming the withdrawal. But he observed marks of glue and smelled a rat. He then collected his money removing the piece of plywood and immediately informed the bank’s customer care.

The customer informed the police that he next kept observing the situation closely and noticed that the two youths had entered the ATM as per their plan to collect the money. Sensing trouble, one of the youths had tried to withdraw cash by entering a large amount but ‘insufficient balance’ message was shown on the ATM screen. The customer, who was waiting outside the ATM, had captured it on his mobile. When the fraudsters came out of the ATM, the customer asked them how much amount was entered for withdrawal. At one point of time, the duo ran away and the customer along with another person chased and captured them.

A team from West Agartala Police Station reached the spot and took both suspects into custody for questioning.

Police suspected that the accused might have used the same modus operandi at other ATMs and are examining whether they were involved in similar incidents elsewhere. CCTV footage from the ATM kiosk and nearby areas is likely to be scrutinized as part of the investigation.

Police said, further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the suspected ATM fraud network.