Mandya: Thieves managed to decamp with Rs 15 Lakh amount cash from Ashoknagar branch of Syndicate bank in the city on April 24. Police suspect the hand of people known to the bank staff in the incident.
Bank employee Shivanna from Shivalli village had enchased Rs 15 Lakh from the main branch in Ashoknagar. He had sought lower denomination notes from cashier Vidya instead of Rs 2000 and Rs 500. Vidya instructed him to approach the Manager and Shivanna left the bag at the cash counter to meet the manager. Manager asked Vidya to issue him lower denomination notes but when Shivanna returned to cash counter, the cash bag with higher denomination notes was missing.
Confusion prevailed in the branch and police rushed to the branch accompanied by dog squad and forensic experts. Customers were put to lot of hardship during search operations where police collected the personal data of each individual present in the branch that time. This led to disruption and delay in services. But,police failed in their attempt to get any leads.
The Ashoknagar branch functioning at ground floor was shifted to 1st floor on account of renovation works 2 months ago. CCTV and other security arrangements were not in place at the new venue. Someone aware of the lapse in security arrangement capitalised on the situation to decamp with Rs 15 Lakh in cash, police sources revealed.
Further investigations are in progress.
