Police have arrested three individuals—including a minor—for attempting to loot an SBI ATM located in Sector-3 of Nalco Township, Damanjodi, Koraput district. The attempted robbery took place late on the night of September 8 but was foiled due to the vigilance of the on-duty security guard.
The arrested have been identified as Sunil Bhatra (26), Jidikar Cheti (20), and a juvenile. The trio fled the scene after their failed attempt, leaving behind tools such as iron rods, wire cutters, gloves, and a muffler.
Following a complaint from SBI Damanjodi Branch Manager Subhashree Mohanty on September 9, a special investigation team led by Inspector Pramila Bidika, SI Deepak Kumar Panda, and ASI Dayanidhi Murja was formed. Using mobile phone tracking, police first caught Sunil near Nalco Gate, whose interrogation helped identify and apprehend the other two accused.
All three hail from Lula village under Dashmantpur Police Station in Koraput district. A case has been registered under Damanjodi PS Case No. 121/25. The adult accused have been sent to court, while the minor was placed in a juvenile correctional facility.
