Barhi in Hazaribagh district witnessed a shocking daylight bank robbery on Friday afternoon when armed assailants looted gold worth around ₹7 crore along with ₹5 lakh in cash from the Bank of Maharashtra branch. The entire operation was executed in a span of just 20 minutes, leaving bank employees hostage and the locality in panic.
According to information available, around five armed men arrived at the bank on two motorcycles at approximately 3 PM. Some of them had covered their faces with helmets and scarves. Initially, two of the suspects entered the bank posing as customers and engaged staff in conversation to avoid suspicion. Shortly after, the remaining members entered the premises carrying pistols and immediately took control of the situation by holding all employees at gunpoint.
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How The Robbery Happened
The criminals then threatened the branch manager and forced access to the locker room and cash counter. When staff attempted to resist, they were assaulted and confined to a room inside the bank premises. The gang then proceeded to open the strong room and loot gold ornaments stored inside, along with cash from the counter. After completing the robbery, they partially shut the shutter and fled the scene.
The incident triggered immediate panic in the area. Police teams reached the location shortly after receiving information and sealed the bank premises. A large-scale search operation was launched across surrounding areas, and checkpoints were established on key routes. Preliminary investigation is focusing on CCTV footage, which reportedly captured the movement and faces of the suspects. Authorities have also recovered a helmet believed to have been left behind by one of the accused during the escape.
Police Search Underway
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the operation was highly coordinated and professionally executed. Two of the suspects reportedly stayed inside the bank for several minutes under the guise of normal customers before signaling their accomplices. Once the group assembled inside, they quickly drew weapons and took control of the entire branch, ensuring no resistance from staff or customers present at the time.
Officials involved in the investigation believe the robbery was planned in advance with detailed knowledge of the bank’s functioning and security arrangements. The timing and execution indicate prior surveillance of the branch. CCTV analysis is underway to trace the escape route, while forensic teams have been deployed to examine recovered evidence.
Police have intensified vehicle checks in adjoining districts and near the Bihar border, suspecting that the gang may have fled in that direction. The bank management is also being questioned regarding internal security protocols and possible lapses that may have enabled the robbery. Investigators are also examining whether insider information played any role in facilitating the crime.
Authorities have stated that multiple angles are being examined, including organized crime involvement. Technical surveillance, call detail records, and digital tracking are being used to identify suspects and their network. Police officials have assured that the case is being treated as a high-priority investigation and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the accused at the earliest.
Meanwhile, fear continues to grip bank customers and employees as questions persist over how such a major robbery could be executed in a secured financial institution in broad daylight without immediate intervention.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
