Armed Miscreants Loot HDFC ATM Kukatpally

Hyderabad was today left rattled with an unexpected firing incident that took place in broad daylight, in the city's Kukatpally area.

Unknown miscreants entered an HDFC ATM at about 1:50 pm, and opened fire at the workers of a cash management agency called Writer Safeguard Private Limited, Srinivas and his assistant Naveen, while they were loading cash into the machine, and at ATM security guard Ali Baig. Reports say that three rounds of bullets were fired at the workers. The miscreants then proceeded to loot over Rs 5 lakh from the men before running away from the scene.

Both officials were seriously injured in the incident.

Locals rushed the staff members to a nearby hospital where Ali Baig succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. Srinivas' condition reportedly remains critical.

The Cyberabad Police reached the spot after the incident, and have launched an investigation into the matter. Eyewitnesses have informed the police that the accused were seen running away towards the Bhagya Nagar area on a black Pulsar motorbike. They also said that when locals tried to rush to the aid of Baig and Srinivas, the assailants threatened them and hurled stones at them before speeding away.

The police have recovered two bullets and a bullet lock from the scene of the crime. The search for the offenders is currently underway. CCTV footage is being used by special teams formed to catch the unidentified accused.

Cyberabad Commissioner of Police V C Sajjanar also went to the ATM to inspect the crime scene, and said that a country-made weapon was used during the robbery.