Two men were arrested on Saturday morning after an attempted ATM robbery in Kalaburagi, following an exchange of gunfire with police. The suspects, identified as Taslim Tasi (28) and Sharif (22), both residents of Haryana, were apprehended near Belur Cross Industrial Area on the outskirts of the city. The men sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the incident and were subsequently admitted to the GIMS Hospital in the city for treatment.
According to police sources, the authorities had suspected that the duo was also linked to another ATM theft that occurred near Pujari Chowk in Kalaburagi on April 9. The investigation into the previous incident had provided vague details about a white Hyundai i20 car being involved in the theft. During a routine night patrol on Friday, police officers discovered the same vehicle near an ATM, which led to the attempted robbery on Saturday.
Kalaburagi Police Commissioner Sharanappa SD confirmed that the patrolling team had acted on the information and spotted the suspects at the ATM. When police approached them and asked them to surrender, the accused opened fire on the officers. In retaliation, the police fired at the suspects, resulting in the injuries.
The two arrested men are facing charges under sections 331(4) (housebreaking by night) and 305 (theft) of the BNS. The police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspects are involved in any other criminal activities in the region.
The authorities are also examining any potential connections between the men and organized crime groups involved in ATM thefts. Police said that the arrests were part of an ongoing effort to curb criminal activity in the city and ensure the safety and security of financial institutions.
Sources By Agencies