Kotekar robbery a warning bell to banks to enhance security apparatus

THE robbery occurred at Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha Bank, K C Road, Talapady, on the outskirts of Mangaluru on January 17 is a warning bell to other co-operative banks and financial institutions in the region to enhance its security apparatus.

- Divya Coutinho @Mangaluru

A group of four unidentified miscreants entered the Kotekar bank armed with weapons, including machetes and a pistol. The accused threatened the staff and forced the manager to open the strong room. They looted cash and gold jewellery stored in a locker. According to the city police, preliminary estimates suggest the total value of the stolen items is approximately Rs 4 crore.

At the time of the robbery, CCTV cameras were not functioning and the branch did not have security guards either.