In a daring daylight robbery, a masked man entered the Chalakudy Potta branch of Federal Bank in Kerala’s Thrissur district and looted Rs 15 lakh in less than three minutes before making a swift escape on February 14, Friday.
The robbery occurred around 1.35 pm when most of the bank employees were away for lunch, leaving only the manager and another staff member inside. Armed with a knife, the suspect threatened them before locking them inside the toilet. He then used a chair to break the counter glass and swiftly took the cash before escaping through the inner roads of the area.
CCTV footage captured the suspect arriving on a scooter, wearing a helmet, mask, and gloves, making it difficult for authorities to identify him. Despite there being Rs 47 lakh in the counter as bundles, he took only three bundles amounting to Rs 15 lakh.
Police officials, who arrived shortly after being alerted, suspect that the man had thoroughly planned the heist.
Thrissur Rural Superintendent of Police B Krishnakumar stated, "There was Rs 47 lakh in cash counter as bundles. From that, only three bundles were taken. He spoke in Hindi. He entered the bank as he was very well aware about the place. We have information on which side he went. We have taken all measures to detect him from across the country."
A manhunt has been launched, with authorities examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to track the suspect’s movements before and after the robbery. Further investigation is underway.