Though they had come prepared to loot a bank on Monday, the panic created by a tremor came in handy in their sinister plan. Taking advantage of the situation, the four robbers — who had already entered the Syndicate Bank, Dankaour market before the temblor that lasted almost a minute— looted Rs22 lakh at gunpoint, according to police.
As people scurried for cover, the robbers overpowered security guard Jugal Kishore and snatched his gun, said police adding that they also beat up bank manager Arun Saxena and manager Pradeep Yadav, taking the remaining people as hostage and confined them in the cash room.
After which they collected the cash in a bag and then fled from the scene on two bikes, said police who rushed to the spot after being informed by a bank customer.
“Four people had entered the bank and remaining two were waiting outside. An eyewitness told police. After committing the crime they fled towards Rabupura region on two bikes,” said Sanjay Singh, Superintendent of police (Rural), Greater Noida.
Inspector General of Police, Meerut Range, Alok Sharma too reached the spot and directed the officials to crack the case immediately.
Singh said, “We are not able to identify the robbers as they have also taken away the CCTV footage along with them. Six bank officials were on duty and we are questioning them. We are also taking help of electronic surveillance and bank costumers to make sketches of the robbers. The robbery was planned with proper recce and information of cash. They took benefit of the earthquake.”
Police said, “We have registered an FIR against unidentified robbers in Dankaour police station and are investigating the matter.”