Robbers Steal Gold Valued at Over Rs 14 Crore and Cash from Jabalpur Bank

In a swift operation, five robbers looted 14.875 kg of gold worth over Rs 14 crore and Rs 5 lakh cash from a bank in Jabalpur. The heist occurred in less than 20 minutes without a security guard present.

In a bold robbery, five individuals stole 14.875 kg of gold worth over Rs 14 crore and Rs 5 lakh in cash from a small finance bank branch in Khitola, Jabalpur district. The heist occurred on Monday morning, shortly after the bank opened for business, and was completed in under 20 minutes, according to police reports.

The robbers targeted the branch of ESAF Small Finance Bank in Sehore tehsil, approximately 50 km from Jabalpur's district headquarters. They arrived on two motorcycles and wore helmets to conceal their identities. The branch lacked a security guard at the time, with only six staff members present during the incident.

Robbery Details and Police Response

Jabalpur Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Atul Singh stated that the robbers entered the bank at 8:50 am and left by 9:08 am. Although they did not brandish weapons openly, one robber had a firearm tucked under his belt. The entire operation lasted just 18 minutes.

Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma mentioned that the robbers managed to escape with the gold stored in the locker and cash from the branch. The police were informed about the incident 45 minutes later, after bank staff consulted with their superiors.

Security Lapses and Investigation

DIG Singh expressed that timely notification could have led to the capture of the robbers. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the heist. CCTV footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation process.

Sources revealed that due to the festive season, the bank opened at 8 am instead of its regular time of 10:30 am. This change may have contributed to the lack of immediate security measures during the robbery.

The incident highlights significant security lapses at the bank, which operated without a guard on duty. Authorities are now focused on identifying and capturing the culprits involved in this audacious crime.

With inputs from PTI