The Dhenkanal police have arrested four inter-state ATM looters involved in the robbery and burning of an SBI ATM near Panchubati in Dhenkanal district. The suspects have been identified as Rafiq Khan (35), Aslam MD (35), Saddam Majjid (32), and MD Nasir (45). Rafiq and Saddam are from Rajasthan, while Aslam and Nasir hail from Haryana, as confirmed by Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar.
Authorities seized over Rs 8 lakh in cash, six mobile phones, a gas cutter machine, various ID and ATM cards, a Maruti Suzuki Ritz car, and a tripper during the investigation. The incident occurred on January 9, around 3:00 AM, when an ATM at the Panchubati Petrol pump was set on fire by the culprits.
Following the tip-off, all police stations in Dhenkanal district bordering neighboring areas were alerted, and checkpoints were established. Later that night, a Maruti Suzuki Ritz car was intercepted near Gudiakateni, under Motanga Police Station. While some suspects fled, one was arrested.
During questioning, Rafiq Khan confessed to the crime and revealed that they had transferred the stolen cash to another vehicle headed for Mumbai. In response, two special teams were formed to locate the vehicle and apprehend the remaining suspects.
The other two accused, Saddam Majid Hussain and MD Nasir, were arrested along with the vehicle bearing registration number RJ 02 68 4871. Upon searching the vehicle, more cash in various denominations and stolen items were found. The arrested individuals admitted to their involvement in the crime.
