Bhubaneswar: In two back-to-back incidents that have triggered concerns over bank security in Odisha, armed robbers looted cash and gold from separate bank branches in Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts.
One incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Odisha Gramya Bank branch in Joda town, Keonjhar district.
According to reports, five armed miscreants stormed the bank, creating panic among staff and customers. Holding the employees at gunpoint, the gang allegedly forced them to hand over ₹10 lakh in cash and gold ornaments before fleeing the scene.
Police from the Joda police station reached the bank soon after receiving the alert and began an investigation. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and efforts are underway to identify and trace the culprits.
The earlier incident took place on Wednesday night at AU Small Finance Bank in Tihidi Bazaar, Bhadrak district.
According to reports, four armed robbers entered the bank with their faces covered and held the bank manager at gunpoint while demanding money. The assailants reportedly fled with over ₹7 lakh in cash.
Separate cases have been registered in both incidents, and police teams have launched a manhunt to nab the criminals.
