Date:06/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/06/stories/2008010653430300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Grameena bank looted

Staff Reporter

NEREDIGONDA (ADILABAD DT.): Criminals broke into Deccan Grameena Bank’s Neredigonda branch on the NH 7 in Adilabad district on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday and decamped with Rs. 14.5 lakhs in cash and gold.

In a rare kind of method used by the burglars, the door of the safe that was holding the cash and valuables was completely detached using perhaps iron instruments after they gained entry by removing the rather weak window grills.

Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar who visited the spot told The Hindu that more than five persons entered the bank. They not only threw the heavy safe on the floor but completely removed its door and stole the Rs. 10.46 lakhs in cash and gold ornaments estimated to be worth about Rs. 4 lakhs. A Clues team was also pressed into service. There was an attempt to burgle the bank about three years back.