THRISSUR: It is alleged that though intelligence reports were received that professional ATM robbery gangs based in Haryana are active and are targeting districts including Thrissur, they were not taken seriously. The fraudsters had also studied in advance the roads and ATM centres in Thrissur and the route to escape after robbing them. It is clear that the fraud gang had come to Thrissur several times for this.
It is concluded that the fraudsters chose Thrissur for the robbery considering that since there are big jewellers, bank headquarters and chit-fund companies in Thrissur, there will be huge financial transactions and there will always be money in the ATMs. The team also took into account the convenience of crossing the border.
Focus only on ATM robbery
Most of the Haryana fraudsters are known for their expertise in ATM robberies. They don't attempt other frauds. They will lead a luxurious life by robbing as many ATMs as possible in a single operation and earning crores of rupees, and with that money they will start the business. They will collect everything from container lorries to weapons. The gang was trapped on the same day of the robbery because the container lorry rammed into other vehicles in Tamil Nadu. When the container lorry did not stop, the locals pelted stones. It is being investigated whether the gang is involved in the theft of Rs 15 lakh from ATMs in Salem Krishnagiri in June last year.
Investigation on container lorry as well?
It is learned that the container lorry carrying goods from Delhi to Chennai was brought to Kerala from Chennai.
A car, three guns and knives were recovered from the lorry along with the cash. It is learned that robberies using such lorries are on the rise. The police suspect that stolen bikes and other items are being smuggled through container lorries. When cars used in robberies are transported in container lorries, CCTV cameras cannot detect them.