CHALAKUDY: The accused who robbed Rs 15 lakh from a bank in Chalakudy was arrested on Sunday evening. Rijo Antony, a native of Asharipara, was arrested and it is reported that he confessed to the crime. Rijo is reported to have told police to have committed the crime to pay off his debts. Police seized Rs 10 lakh from the accused.

Last day, the employees were held hostage at the Federal Bank branch in Chalakudy Potta as the accused barged into the bank during noon hours. The robbery was carried out without any use of force even though there were seven employees in the bank.

The accused smashed the glass barrier at the counter but failed to take the money. He then broke the cupboard nearby and filled his bags with cash. The fact that the robbery took place during noon hours, exactly when the employees went for lunch, piqued the curiosity of the police. It was thus assumed that the accused was someone with a clear understanding of the working pattern of this bank.

The accused arrived on a TVS Ntorq scooter. Despite having Rs 45 lakh in the cash counter, he only took only Rs 15 lakh. In the investigation, it was found that the robbery took place within just two minutes. According to the CCTV footage, the thief came wearing a helmet, jacket and gloves on a scooter with the number plate kept hidden.

Preliminary reports suggest that the extravagant lifestyle of Rijo paved the way for his debts. Rijo’s wife, who works abroad, makes a decent payment to his account every month. On the other hand, Rijo will indulge in extravagance and exhaust the whole sum in just days.