GUWAHATI, June 16 � An inter-state gang of criminals involved in fraudulent withdrawal of cash from ATM has been apprehended by Bongaigon police last night at Bongaigaon. Police also apprehended two persons, namely Md Arman Khan and Md Paigam Khan from the SBI ATM at Bongaigaon.
A statement released to the media said, the arrested persons came from Fatehpur under Gaya district, Bihar. From their possession police recovered three ATM cards, one debit card, one PAN card, two mobile phones, one nail cutter, one small screw driver, one used tube of adhesive and driving licence of Md Paigam Khan issued by DTO, Koderma, Jharkhand.
Following interrogation, police recovered one Maruti Zen Estilo with registration BR-5907 belonging to Md Paigam Khan from near the ATM. Police also searched the hotel where these two criminals had boarded and recovered a cash amount of Rs 2,28,000, one mobile phone and RC of the car issued by DTO Gaya, Bihar.
Earlier in February, police had registered a case of fraudulent withdrawal of cash from the SBI ATM, Bongaigaon on complaint from two customers. Accordingly all bank officials of Bongaigaon were alerted. Police could also found photographs of three members of the gang involved in the case from the CCTV of the ATM.
During interrogation, the criminal revealed there are two such organized criminal gangs known to them under Fatehpur police station, Gaya, Bihar. In both these gangs there are 40-45 members involved in such criminal activities. The gang leaders used to pay Rs 1000 to each member per day in addition to other expenditure. The gang leaders also provide light vehicle to the members. The gang mainly operates its criminal activities in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Delhi and northern States.
The criminals further revealed that about 15 days back they started from Gaya with the car and so far fraudulently withdrew cash from ATM SBI, Patna, Bardhwan, Malda, Cooch Bihar and Bongaigaon.
The Assam Police has appealed to the general public to remain alert while using ATM and co-operate with the police to nab such criminals.
