Suspected Maoists loot over Rs 84 lakhs from PNB

Purulia, Jun 11 (UNI) Suspected armed Maoists looted over Rs 84 lakhs from a branch of the Punjab National Bank here today.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Prasad told reporters that eight motorcycle-borne miscreants came to the bank. While two of them stood guard outside, the others entered the bank situated in the heart of the town.

They assaulted the manager, brandished revolvers and looted Rs 84,15,000.

Later they fled towards Jharkhand by taking the Raghabpur Rail Gate route.

The bank is situated within 100 metres of the SP's and DM's office.

Incidentally, a gun shop was looted here yesterday.

When asked, the SP did not rule out the involvement of Maoists in both incidents and said investigations were on.

UNI XC PL RD1218