Date:16/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/16/stories/2004081611750500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

At least 3 involved in Canara Bank theft: police

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, AUG. 15. Cyberabad police suspect that a minimum of three persons were involved in the sensational Sainikpuri Canara Bank theft.

The number could be more, investigating authorities opined.

It was found that the thieves had taken away, along with Rs. 69 lakhs in cash, a large number of five rupee coins.

The bag consisting of five rupee coins weighed more than 30 kg. requiring at least one person to carry.

Another thief must have carried the currency bundles.

Expertise evident

While the hole drilled in the concrete slab of the bank building indicated that somebody with expertise in slab cutting had done it, the way steel almirahs of the strong room were opened suggested that they were professional burglars, the police remarked.

The fact that thieves managed not to get injured while slithering down the drilled hole and had used gloves not to leave fingerprints at the scene, showed their professionalism, they opined.