Armed gang loots Rs 15 lakh from SBI branch

Visakhapatnam, July 15 (UNI) A five-member gang of dacoits today decamped with Rs 15 lakh from the State Bank of India (SBI) Visalakshinagar Branch on the outskirts of the city today.

According to City Police Commissioner N Samba Siva Rao, the gang, armed with pistols and knives, barged into the bank at 1005 hrs and threatened the bank staff. They also injured Head Cashier Manga Devi and looted the money from the strong room.

Police sealed all the exit and entry points of the city to trap the robbers, all aged between 30 and 40 years. They were reportedly speaking in Hindi.

Only five customers were in the bank at the time of robbery.

Mr Rao said sniffer dogs went to an old bunglow near the bank and from there proceeded to a nearby petrol bunk.

Investigations revealed that the dacoits had been keeping a close watch on the bank and its staff since the past few days, he said.

The newly opened branch had only five employees, including the manager, and there was no security guard at the bank, the Commissioner added.

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