Maddur: A group of thieves, making use of the lockdown and after noticing the absence of security at an ATM, have decamped with Rs. 17.50 lakh cash after cutting open the ATM machine with a gas cutter last night.

The robbery took place at the SBI Bank ATM kiosk in Kolli Circle in Maddur.

The gang of burglars, who first destroyed the CCTV camera installed in front of the kiosk, entered inside, broke open the ATM using a gas cutter and decamped with the cash in it. They had thrown away a few parts of the ATM machine in front of the LIC Office.

Following complaint, ASP V. Dhananjaya, Dy.SP Lakshminarayana Prasad, Circle Inspector Bharat Gowda, Sub-Inspector Naveen Gowda and other Police officials inspected the spot.

Meanwhile, SP Dr. Ashwini said that a Special Police team led by Dy.SP Lakshminarayana Prasad has been formed and assured that the culprits would be brought to book soon.