Four arrested for attempt to steal ATM using earthmover at Surathkal

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 21, 2023: Surathkal police arrested four persons, all hailing from Shikaripura taluk of Shivamogga district, for their involvement in an attempted theft of a bank ATM at Surathkal using an earthmover on August 4th.

The accused have been identified as Devraj (24), Bharath H (20), Nagraj Naik (21), and Dhanraj Naik (22), all hailing from Shivamogga. While the first three were directly involved in the attempt, the fourth one had allegedly financed them.

From the quartet, law enforcement confiscated two mobile phones and a two-wheeler collectively valued at Rs 50,000. Charges have been filed against them under sections 457, 380, and 511 of the Indian Penal Code.

Devraj Naik and Nagraj Naik are known to have previous cases against them at the Shikaripura town and rural police stations.

During questioning, the suspects admitted to their involvement in a similar attempt to breach an ATM using an excavator in Shivamogga, within the jurisdiction of the Vinobha Nagar police station, on August 26.

It has come to light that the criminals had stolen the excavator, which had been parked on the Padubidri-Karkala road on the midnight of August 4. This stolen equipment was subsequently utilized in the ATM heist in Surathkal.