Guwahati
Close on the heels of cash and ornaments worth Rs 2.25 crore went missing from an Axis Bank branch in Churachandpur, there is report about criminals having struck another bank — the Kangpokpi branch of Manipur State Cooperative Bank, north of Imphal Valley.
Computers and other electronic items worth nearly Rs 1 crore have been found looted, police officials said on Friday. The bank has been closed since May 4, a day the ethnic clashes first broke out between the Meiteis and Kukis. The theft was detected three days ago when officials went to open the bank.
“Though the cash vault was found broken, bank officials had removed all the money from it and the ATM located on the bank premises in mid-May as per the instructions of the head office,” they said.
“At least six computers, a printer and other electronic items are missing. An FIR has been lodged at Kangpokpi police station,” they added.
The first incident of a bank having been targeted came to light on July 10, when cash and jewellery worth Rs 2.25 crore were found missing from a branch of Axis Bank in Churchandpur. Officials said they came to know about the theft when the bank reopened after remaining closed for more than two months since violence broke out in the state on May 3.
Thieves drilled a hole from the rear side of the bank and gained entry. “Rs 1.25-crore cash was looted along with gold ornaments estimated to be valued at over Rs 1 crore in addition to a computer,” the police said.
So far, more than 150 people have lost their lives and over 3,000 injured since the ethnic violence broke out following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised by tribal organisations in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
