Mangaluru: A late-night attempt to steal cash from an ATM in Kotekaru Beeri was foiled by Ullal police after an alert from a centralised surveillance system in Delhi. The accused, identified as Nagappa Keralatti (41), a resident of Kustagi in Koppal district, was caught red-handed inside the ATM around 3 am on Thursday.
Attempted theft at SBI ATM
According to police, Nagappa entered the State Bank of India (SBI) ATM around 2:30 am carrying tools with which he tried to break open the cash box. In the process, he damaged the machine and triggered an alert in the surveillance network.
The alert system, which monitors ATMs across districts from a central hub in Delhi, immediately picked up the suspicious activity and flagged it for further action.
Quick coordination leads to arrest
The surveillance alert was received by staffer Ranjith, who then informed Deepak Amin, the official in charge of the Beeri ATM. Amin promptly contacted the police emergency number 112 and relayed the details of the suspected theft.
Acting swiftly, Ullal police rushed to the spot and apprehended the accused inside the ATM kiosk before he could escape. Officers said the timely communication between surveillance staff, local authorities, and police patrol units proved crucial in preventing the theft.
Tools seized from accused
Upon arrest, Nagappa was found in possession of tools believed to have been used in the attempted burglary. Police have seized the implements and are investigating whether he has been involved in similar offences elsewhere in the state.
Officials also confirmed that the cash inside the ATM was secure and no money was stolen, though the machine suffered damage during the break-in attempt.
Police praise surveillance system
Authorities lauded the effectiveness of the centralised monitoring mechanism, noting that it played a key role in averting a potential theft. “This case highlights the importance of technology-enabled surveillance in protecting public assets and ensuring swift police action,” a senior officer said.
Conclusion
The Ullal police have registered a case against Nagappa for attempted theft and damaging property. Investigations are underway to determine if the accused has prior criminal records. The incident underscores the growing role of surveillance systems in preventing crimes and ensuring prompt law enforcement responses.