Balasore: In a daylight robbery, a group of armed criminals allegedly looted more than Rs 10 lakh from an Odisha Gramin Bank branch at Khaparapada under Baliapal police station limits in Balasore district on Tuesday.Reports said around seven people arrived at the bank in an SUV and entered the branch posing as customers. They allegedly brandished firearms and sharp weapons before assaulting the bank manager and employees before threatening them with dire consequences.Bank manager Ajay Kumar Sethi said four helmet-wearing men entered the bank around 1.40 pm carrying a gun and a bhujali (sharp weapon). They allegedly assaulted the employees and confined them to a room before fleeing with cash from the counter.The bank manager reportedly sustained serious injuries in the attack and was admitted to Baliapal Hospital. His condition was stated to be critical. The robbery triggered panic in the area, with the assailants fleeing before anyone could resist them.On being informed, Baliapal police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Police are examining CCTV footage from the bank and surrounding areas to identify the suspects and establish the route taken by the SUV vehicle used in the robbery.
