THRISSUR: More details have emerged after the arrest of the accused in the bank robbery in Chalakudy Potta. Rijo Antony, a native of Chalakudy Asharipara, was arrested. It is reported that Rijo squandered the money his wife had sent from abroad. Later, when it was time for his wife to return home, the accused tried to recoup the money by robbing.

The police recovered Rs 10 lakh from Rijo's possession. The accused was arrested from his house. Rijo committed the theft by planting a fake number plate on his own bike. The accused robbed the Federal Bank in Chalakudy Potta three days ago and stole Rs 15 lakh. The robbery was carried out without any use of force despite the presence of seven employees in the bank. The accused broke the glass above the counter but could not steal, so he broke the cupboard and stole the money from the counter. CCTV footage and a phone call were crucial in arresting the accused.

The fact that the accused chose the time when the bank employees were going to eat for the robbery indicates that the accused is a person with a clear understanding of the bank. The accused arrived on an Ntorq scooter. Although there was Rs 45 lakh in the cash counter, the thief took only Rs 15 lakh. Thrissur Rural SP B. Krishnakumar had said that this was also a crucial clue in the case. The police had also said that the accused entered the bank, robbed and left within two and a half minutes.