Armed Robbers Steal Rs 12 Crore from Mangaluru Bank, Creating Shockwaves in Karnataka
Mangaluru, Karnataka | January 17, 2025: In an audacious attack, an armed gang looted a cooperative bank in the Kotekar area of Mangaluru on Friday, making off with gold and cash valued at approximately Rs 12 crore. This heist marks the second major robbery in Karnataka in the last 48 hours, highlighting a disturbing pattern of crime across the state.
The Bold Heist at Kotekar Agricultural Cooperative Bank: Around noon on Friday, six men carrying firearms barged into the Kotekar Agricultural Cooperative Bank branch located on KC Road in Ullal. The gang took advantage of the relatively quiet morning and swiftly threatened the staff into handing over gold and cash. Preliminary investigations estimate the stolen goods to be worth Rs 7 crore in gold and Rs 5 crore in cash.
The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, as it was the second such robbery within just two days. On January 15, a similar robbery took place in Bengaluru, further amplifying the concern over the rising number of bank heists in the state.
The Response from Local Authorities: After the robbery, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was in Mangaluru for a scheduled visit, immediately held an emergency meeting with senior police officers. The meeting aimed to address the escalating concerns of bank robberies and strategize future preventive measures. Siddaramaiah assured the public that authorities were committed to investigating the robbery and apprehending the criminals.
“The safety of citizens and financial institutions is of utmost importance,” Siddaramaiah said during the meeting. “We will ensure that the culprits are brought to justice quickly.”
Karnataka Police on High Alert: Following the incident, Mangaluru police have initiated a full-scale investigation, combing through CCTV footage from surrounding areas and interviewing witnesses. A special task force has been created to track down the gang, and security measures have been heightened in financial institutions across the region.
“While we are following all leads, we are also coordinating with law enforcement agencies across Karnataka to ensure swift action,” said a senior police official.
Bank Robberies on the Rise: The robbery in Mangaluru raises alarming concerns about the security of banks, especially in rural areas. Financial institutions in such regions are often vulnerable to criminal gangs due to their relatively lower security measures compared to urban counterparts. This incident, paired with the recent robbery in Bengaluru, has prompted local authorities to rethink security protocols for banks.
Calls for Improved Security: Experts suggest that banks must invest in cutting-edge technology, such as biometric systems and advanced alarm systems, to bolster security. Additionally, increasing police presence around these establishments could help prevent future heists.
As the police continue their investigation into the Mangaluru robbery, the residents of Karnataka hope that the culprits will be caught swiftly. The state government has pledged to enhance security across all financial institutions, aiming to prevent further robberies.
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