Chandbali: Even after 10 days have passed since the attempt to loot an SBI ATM kiosk at Matto Oil India square under Chandbali block in Bhadrak district, the police are yet to nab the miscreants.
The miscreants who hurled a series of bombs failed in their attempt to loot the ATM after local residents, security staff and some cops gave them a chase. However, the ATM kiosk suffered damage in the bomb attack.
Though a case has been registered at the Chandbali police station, the police are yet to get any breakthrough in the incident.
Police sources said investigation is on taking CCTV footage, inputs from eyewitnesses and forensic report.
Bike-borne miscreants February 4 laid siege to the ATM kiosk and hurled bombs before fleeing the place. But the police failed to nab the culprits.
Matto police station officer, who was present on the crime scene, was transferred to the headquarters following the direction of the Superintendent of Police for not opening fire on the miscreants.
Chandbali police station IIC has also been transferred to Balasore.
The investigation has now been entrusted on Chandbali ASI Kulamani Patra. While Patra said investigation is on, IIC Minati Biswal said no arrest has been made so far. However, she refused to divulge details, saying it might hamper the investigation process.
Meanwhile, no new officer has been posted at Matto police outpost.
The delay in the arrest of miscreants has made the businessmen and local residents apprehensive.
With Matto being well connected with water and road transport, it has been a haven for criminals. Gambling, coal smuggling and bootlegging are regular affair here, while the police find it tough to contain the illegal activities.
The local residents and businessmen have urged the intervention of SP in this regard.
PNN