Police have arrested five members of a gang involved in ATM fraud, where they used a unique method to steal lakhs of rupees. The accused tampered with ATM cash trays by placing tape or plastic strips, causing the money to get stuck in the mechanism. After the victim left, the gang would remove the strip and steal the money.
According to DCP East Shashank Singh, the police recovered significant evidence, including 39 ATM cards, Rs 24,000 in cash, 11 cut plastic strips used for tampering, and a blade from the arrested individuals. Cases have been registered against the gang members across multiple districts, highlighting the widespread nature of their activities.
The scam came to light when Gaurav Mahendra, a bank manager, lodged a complaint on October 23, reporting ATM tampering. Following this, a detailed investigation led to the arrest of five individuals involved in the crime. The accused have been identified as:
Jitendra Bahadur Singh
Rajesh Pratap Singh
Ajay Yadav
Mohammad Saif
Himanshu Singh
During their interrogation, the gang members confessed to their method of tampering with the ATMs. They used plastic strips to obstruct the cash tray where the money would be dispensed, causing it to get stuck. After the victim left, unaware that their cash had been blocked, the gang would remove the strip and take the money.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested individuals had an extensive criminal history. Jitendra has 16 cases registered against him in Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, and Lucknow. Rajesh faces 22 cases in Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Basti, Sitapur, and Lucknow, while Saif has three cases against him in Prayagraj and Lucknow.
The police have emphasized the importance of awareness regarding ATM-related frauds and have urged the public to be vigilant when using machines, especially if the ATM seems to malfunction or the cash is delayed. The arrests have put an end to a significant ATM fraud network operating across several districts.
