New Delhi (Agency):Days after an alarming theft where cash and ornaments worth over Rs 2.25 crore disappeared from an Axis Bank branch in Manipur’s Churachandpur, criminals struck again. This time, they targeted the Manipur State Cooperative Bank branch in Kangpokpi district, making off with computers and other electronic items with an estimated value of nearly Rs 1 crore, officials reported on Friday.
The targeted Kangpokpi branch, located north of Imphal Valley, has been closed since May 4 due to violence in the state. Police revealed that the theft was detected only three days ago when officials arrived to open the bank.
The bank official stated, “Although the cash vault was broken into, there was no cash to be taken. All the money and the ATM on the bank premises had been emptied in mid-May, following instructions from our head office.”
The missing items include at least six computers, a printer, and other electronic items. An FIR regarding the incident has been lodged at the Kangpokpi police station.
In a similar incident on July 10, cash and jewelry valued at Rs 2.25 crore were discovered missing from a branch of Axis Bank in Churchandpur. The theft was detected when the bank reopened after being closed for over two months due to violence in the state.
Police investigations reveal the thieves gained entry by drilling a hole from the rear side of the bank. Cash totaling Rs 1.25 crore and gold ornaments estimated to be worth over Rs 1 crore, along with a computer, were stolen.
Violence has been rampant in the state since May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The unrest has resulted in over 150 people losing their lives and over 3,000 injuries.
