Burglars flee as spark from welding machine triggers fire in K’giri bank

The burglars had cut through the window grills of the SBI branch at Anchetty. However, a freak fire forced them to abandon their attempt and flee the spot.

According to police, the burglars scaled over the compound wall of the bank in its rear and cut through the window grills. However, a spark from the gas cutter resulted in papers inside the bank catching fire.

As the fire spread, the smoke alarm went off and burglars out of fear, fled the spot. Then the neighbours spotted the fire and alerted the Anchetty police, who rushed to the spot and held investigations.

The police seized gas cylinder, welding tools, rope, crow bar and bed-sheets from the scene of crime. On receiving information, the bank officials arrived and confirmed that money and jewels kept in safe room remained intact and were not lost. Mostly daily wagers and poor people hold accounts in the bank.

Krishnagiri Superintendent of Police Bandi Gangadhar visited the scene of crime and held investigations. A sniffer dog and forensic experts were pressedinto service.

The police officials said that the bank did not have a security guard and no CCTV camera in its outer area. In 2015, burglars had struck the Bank of Baroda branch at Gurubarapalli in Krishnagiri district and stole away 6,400 sovereigns of gold jewels. This case is yet to be solved.