In Manipur’s Ukhrul district, armed
miscreants committed robbery of Rs 18.85 crore at the Punjab National Bank
(PNB). No arrests have been made till now. However, it has come to knowledge
that the miscreants allegedly absconded towards the Indo-Myanmar border on the
night of November 30, putting a question mark on security.
The robbery happened when 10 heavily
armed men stormed the PNB situated in the heart of Ukhrul town at around 5:42
pm and emptied the vault on November 30. Authorities couldn’t identify the miscreants
as they used mask.
Trustworthy sources said the militants
stationed at the Indo-Myanmar border are on the suspect list but all details
are not available.
They added at least three getaway
vehicles were involved in carrying out the robbery, but two vehicles are yet to
be ascertained.
The robbers reached Sihai Khullen
village at around 7 pm, which is about an hour’s drive from Ukhrul district
headquarters. When the robbers reached the village, they forced a local to
drive them till Kahaophung near Sinai Khunou and paid him Rs 1,000, informed
sources.
Reportedly onlookers informed the police
that during the heist, there were two suspected getaway vehicles seen close to the
bank, but as per sources, only one vehicle arrived till Sihai Khullen village.
The mode of transportation used from
Kahaophung towards the Myanmar border is also yet to be ascertained. Further probe
is underway, added the source.
After questioning each staff and
security personnel of the bank by the police, foul play or inside job has been
ruled out by the police.
NE Watch Desk
