News Reporter
In a daring daylight robbery, five armed men targeted a State Bank of India branch in Manipur's Churachandpur district, making off with approximately Rs 20 lakh, as confirmed by police sources on Thursday.
The incident unfolded around 2 pm on Thursday when the armed assailants stormed into the K Salbung branch of the State Bank of India. Masked and armed, the robbers intimidated bank staff and customers while swiftly collecting the loot.
Upon receiving the distress call, local law enforcement officers rushed to the scene, but by then, the perpetrators had already made their escape, leaving behind a tense atmosphere and bewildered witnesses.
An FIR has been lodged detailing the sequence of events, shedding light on the calculated nature of the robbery. Police are now combing through CCTV footage retrieved from the bank to identify the culprits and to further the investigation.
"We are diligently reviewing the CCTV footage to gather any possible leads that can assist us in identifying and locating the suspects," stated a police official involved in the investigation.
Meanwhile, a full-scale manhunt has been initiated to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The brazen robbery has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting concerns about security measures at financial institutions in the area. Authorities are now reassessing security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
"The safety and security of our citizens are our utmost priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated," assured a senior police official.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Churachandpur district remain on edge, hopeful for swift justice and a return to normalcy in their community.