Bhubaneswar, Jan 19: Panic gripped the mining town of Barbil in Keonjhar district on Monday after a daring armed robbery at the Bank of Maharashtra branch on Kalinga Road. According to reports, five to six unidentified miscreants entered the bank during business hours pretending to seek customer service. Moments later, they pulled out firearms, threatened the staff and customers, and took complete control of the premises.

The robbers are suspected to have looted around ₹8 lakh in cash and gold ornaments worth over ₹5 crore that were kept inside the bank. After executing the heist, the gang fled the scene, leaving customers and employees traumatised.

Following the incident, Barbil police rushed to the spot and launched a detailed investigation. CCTV footage from the bank and nearby areas is being analysed to identify the culprits. Police have also set up blockades at various locations across the district to prevent the accused from escaping.

A case has been registered, though the exact amount looted is yet to be officially confirmed. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security arrangements at financial institutions in the town.

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