In a brazen daylight robbery, a gang of two armed robbers targeted an ATM cash vehicle near the State Bank of India (SBI) Main Branch in Karnataka&rsquo;s Bidar city on Thursday. The robbers shot dead one security guard, seriously injured another, and escaped with ₹93 lakh in cash. The shocking incident occurred at around 10:30 am, sending shockwaves through the community.
Sequence of Events
Eyewitnesses reported that the robbers opened six rounds of fire to neutralize the security personnel and seize the cash. CCTV footage revealed that the robbers had meticulously planned the heist, lying in wait for the cash management service personnel to arrive. As the cash was being loaded into the ATM, the duo struck with precision.
Footage showed the robbers tailing the workers, brandishing guns. One of the guards attempted to fend off the attackers but was fatally shot. The other guard, despite being injured, tried to intervene but was overpowered. Chaos erupted as bystanders ran for cover while the robbers carried out their operation.
The Gateway
One robber was seen starting a parked bike near the cash vehicle, while the other, carrying the cash chest, struggled with its weight. The chest briefly fell to the ground, causing a momentary delay. Despite the hiccup, the duo managed to secure the chest on the bike&rsquo;s fuel tank and sped away. Visuals captured by onlookers showed the injured guard writhing in pain as others rushed to assist him.
Chilling Details
According to sources, the robbers used a handgun and employed a cruel tactic of sprinkling chili powder on the guards to disorient them before opening fire. The attack was executed with chilling precision, leaving little room for resistance.
Police Response
District Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Gunte, Additional SP Chandrakanta Pujari, and senior officers immediately conducted an investigation at the crime scene. The police have barricaded all roads leading to Shivaji Chowk and formed multiple teams to track down the suspects. CCTV visuals from the bank and surrounding areas are being analyzed for leads.
SP Gunte stated, &ldquo;The security agency personnel were depositing cash into the SBI ATM when two individuals on a bike opened fire. One guard was killed, and another sustained bullet injuries. The accused escaped with a significant amount of cash, and we are awaiting further details from the bank to confirm the exact loss. Efforts are underway to nab the perpetrators.&rdquo;
Community Outrage
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: GU;">The incident has left the residents of Bidar shaken. Questions about the adequacy of security measures for cash handling services have been raised. Locals have demanded swift action and stricter safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

photo sequence of cash robbery and police investigation

Robbers shoot guard, loot ₹93 lakh in cash near SBI Main Branch, flee on getaway bike

Shocking Daylight ATM Robbery in Karnataka’s Bidar

Robbers shoot guard, loot ₹93 lakh in cash near SBI Main Branch, flee on getaway bike

January 16, 2025 | 16:17 IST