Three arrested in ATM loot case, ₹15 lakh recovered; two still on the run

MANAS R BANNERJEE, SNS, SILIGURI, 15 JUNE 2025 : In a major breakthrough, police arrested three suspects from a forested area near Gazoldoba at dawn and recovered ₹15 lakh in connection with the recent ATM looting case in Maynaguri. The search is on for three other members of the gang, who are believed to be carrying the remaining stolen cash. According to police sources, a five-member gang broke into two ATMs in Maynaguri during the midnight hours of 13–14 June and looted a substantial amount of money. Acting swiftly after the incident, local police began chasing the suspects as they attempted to flee in a four-wheeler.

The gang abandoned the vehicle in the Gazoldoba forest area and fled on foot into the dense foliage in an effort to escape. Despite the challenge of conducting operations in the rain and low visibility, police teams from both Jalpaiguri and Siliguri launched a coordinated manhunt. Multiple entry and exit points of the forest were sealed off, and search operations continued through the night.

By early morning, a joint team of police and forest guards intercepted two of the suspects near the Saraswati Tea Plantation, close to Gazoldoba. The arrested men have been identified as Asruf Khan, a resident of Haryana, and Samsher Khan, from Bihar. The seizure of the vehicle led investigators to suspect that the ATM robbery was orchestrated by an interstate gang. During interrogation, the arrested duo reportedly provided vital information about the identities and whereabouts of the three absconding members.

The police believe the remaining accused are still hiding in the forested terrain and are in possession of more cash looted from the ATMs. Search operations are ongoing. Both accused were produced before the Jalpaiguri Court today. Meanwhile, police this evening arrested Md Irfan Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, from the Gazoldoba area in connection with the ATM looting case.