“Davanagere Police Tighten Security After ₹13 Crore SBI Heist”
In the wake of a sophisticated gold theft worth ₹13 crore at the Nyamati branch of SBI, Davanagere police have enforced stricter security protocols for financial institutions. Banks and ATMs across the district must upgrade to advanced CCTV systems, motion sensors, and alarms within two weeks to prevent similar breaches.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Uma Prashant censured the outdated safety arrangements in most nationalised banks, calling them insufficient to deter skilled criminals. She highlighted that many branches operate with obsolete surveillance systems and misplaced alarm devices, often disregarding timely upgrades. SP Uma instructed bank officials to ensure DVRs are placed securely away from public access and to install cameras covering the entire premises.
During inspections, police identified glaring lapses in private and public bank branches as well as ATMs. SP Uma also warned that organized criminal groups, often from other states, exploit these vulnerabilities. “Comprehensive security measures are critical to maintaining public trust in the banking sector,” she urged.
Deputy Commissioner GM Gangadharaswamy echoed these concerns, stressing that bolstering security safeguards is essential to preserving public confidence.
Meanwhile, police are investigating two outsiders, one from Bihar and another from Tamil Nadu, who visited the Nyamati branch before the heist. They had inquired about opening accounts but were turned away due to lacking local addresses. This lead is now under close scrutiny.
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