Bhopal Police have busted a gang allegedly involved in stealing cash from ATM machines by using a technical manipulation known as “shutter tampering.” Six accused from Bihar, including two students and four labourers, have been arrested in connection with the case on Monday. Accused were presnted before the court on Tuesday. According to police, the gang targeted eight SBI ATMs in Bhopal over the past 10 to 15 days, allegedly stealing nearly ₹9 lakh. CCTV shows accused removing cash in one minute Police said CCTV footage from one of the ATMs captured two accused tampering with the machine and removing the trapped cash in about one minute. The footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects and unravelling the modus operandi of the gang. See how they committed the crime in pictures How the fraud was carried out According to investigators, the accused inserted a thin strip into the ATM’s cash dispensing slot before customers arrived. When customers attempted to withdraw money, the amount was debited from their bank accounts, but the cash remained trapped inside the dispenser instead of being released. Assuming the ATM had malfunctioned, customers would leave without receiving the money. The accused would later return, remove the strip and collect the trapped cash. Eight SBI ATMs targeted in 15 days Police said the gang allegedly used the same technique at eight SBI ATMs, stealing nearly ₹9 lakh over the past two weeks. After several similar complaints were received, investigators analysed CCTV footage from the affected ATMs, leading to the identification and arrest of the six accused. Case registered after security firm’s complaint The case was registered at Shahpura Police Station following a complaint by Vivek Chouria, an employee of Core Security Services Pvt. Ltd. Police said the bank-provided CCTV footage clearly showed two accused tampering with the ATM cash dispenser. Based on the evidence, all six accused were arrested and produced before a court. Police are now investigating whether the gang was involved in similar ATM thefts in other cities or states. Post navigation Doctor from Ludhiana dies by suicide at Delhi hospital:Writes 3-page final note cites family’s opposition to inter-caste marriage with Doctor from MP
