In a scene that feels straight out of a crime thriller, a group of armed robbers stormed into an SBI branch in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, making off with a significant amount of cash after assaulting bank employees and terrorizing customers.
The daring robbery took place on Thursday morning at the State Bank of India branch in Bahalda, just 200 meters from the local police station. Around 11:00 AM, five masked men barged into the bank, brandishing firearms and taking complete control of the situation.
Fear and Chaos Inside the Bank
Customers and staff members were caught off guard as the criminals swiftly executed their plan. The robbers didn’t just demand money—they physically attacked bank employees, including the branch manager, to assert their dominance. Panic spread among those inside as the gang threatened anyone who resisted.
Incredibly, the entire operation lasted no more than 30 minutes. Once they had seized the cash, the robbers fled, leaving behind a shaken workforce and terrified customers.
Security Concerns Raised
What’s shocking is that the heist took place within walking distance of a police station, yet the robbers managed to escape without any immediate intervention. This has sparked serious concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in banks and the readiness of local law enforcement to respond to such threats.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to track down the culprits. Police are reviewing security footage and gathering statements from witnesses in hopes of identifying and capturing the criminals.
A police spokesperson reassured the public, stating, “We are using every resource at our disposal to bring these offenders to justice.”
With tensions running high and banking security under scrutiny, this incident serves as a wake-up call for financial institutions and law enforcement alike. The question remains—how did a robbery of this scale unfold right under the nose of authorities, and what steps will be taken to prevent future incidents?
