Daring ATM Heist Foiled Near Shirur as Pune Police Arrest Three Suspects

In a thrilling turn of events, Pune Rural police successfully intercepted an attempted ATM heist near Shirur, a small town about 65 kilometers from Pune city. The swift police action resulted in the arrest of three suspects, preventing a potentially large-scale cash theft. This incident has brought attention to a rising trend of ATM break-ins in rural areas, revealing just how resourceful and organized some of these gangs can be.

Late at night, a gang of five men, reportedly from Haryana and Rajasthan, parked a container truck near an ATM kiosk at Saradwadi, likely planning to cut open the machine and flee with the cash. Armed with an LPG cylinder, gas cutter, and other break-in tools, they seemed ready to carry out the heist. However, police received a timely tip-off about the suspicious activity, prompting them to act quickly.

Inspector Avinash Shilimkar and his team from the local crime branch sprang into action after receiving the tip. Strategically positioning themselves near the ATM, they coordinated with the Shirur police to lay a well-planned trap. Upon spotting two men near the truck, officers approached, but the pair managed to escape into the night, leaving their accomplices behind. The police then moved to secure the three other suspects found inside the truck’s cabin, effectively halting the heist.

Inside the container truck, officers found a makeshift toolkit designed for ATM break-ins. The suspects had a gas cylinder and cutter to slice through the ATM's outer casing, a bottle of black spray likely intended to cover up any cameras or sensors, and a sturdy rod to pry open the machine. The gang’s sophisticated preparations highlight just how organized and determined these thefts can be. Police seized all materials found in the truck, and the container itself has been impounded as evidence.

The three suspects in custody were identified as Kutubuddin Hussain (31) from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and Yasin Khan (32) and Raul Khan (32), both from Nuh district in Haryana. According to the police, these individuals are believed to be part of a broader network involved in multiple ATM thefts across rural Pune. The two gang members who managed to escape are suspected to have a history of similar offenses, and local authorities have intensified the search to capture them before they strike again.

Following the arrests, police filed a case under section 310(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), related to the preparation of dacoity. The incident has generated significant discussion in the community, with residents expressing both relief over the police's timely intervention and concern about the rise in such thefts. Many are now calling for increased security around ATMs, particularly in more isolated rural areas where response times can be slower.

This attempted heist near Shirur underscores the importance of vigilance and quick response in thwarting organized crime. With rural ATMs increasingly targeted, local law enforcement faces the challenge of staying one step ahead of resourceful criminals who employ sophisticated tools and methods. The arrest of three suspects marks a victory for Pune Rural police, but the search for the remaining culprits serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to keep rural communities safe. This incident leaves us pondering the best ways to protect public resources in a world where technology aids both crime and crime prevention.