Chandbali: Though 10 days have passed since the futile bid to loot an SBI ATM kiosk at Matto Oil India square under Chandbali block in Bhadrak district, the police are yet to nab the miscreants.
The miscreants, who hurled a series of bombs, failed in their attempt to loot the ATM after the local residents, security staff and some cops gave them a chase. However, the ATM kiosk suffered damage in the bomb attack.
While a case was registered at the Chandbali police station in this regard, the police are yet to get any breakthrough in the incident.
According to the police, investigation is on and they are examining CCTV footage, inputs from eyewitnesses and the forensic report. Bike-borne miscreants February 4 laid siege to the ATM kiosk and hurled bombs before fleeing the place.
Matto police station officer, who was present at the crime scene, was transferred to the headquarters following the direction of the Superintendent of Police for not opening fire on the miscreants.
Chandbali police station IIC has also been transferred to Balasore.
The investigation has now been entrusted to the new Chandbali ASI Kulamani Patra. While Patra said investigation is on, IIC Minati Biswal said no arrest has been made so far. She, however, refused to divulge details, saying it might hamper the investigation process.
Meanwhile, no new officer has been posted at Matto police outpost. The delay in the arrest of miscreants has made local businessmen and residents apprehensive. They have urged the intervention of SP in this regard.
As Matto is well connected via water and road, it has developed into a haven for criminals. Gambling, coal smuggling and bootlegging are common here, even as the police find it tough to contain the illegal activities.
PNN