Clinical heist

CHENNAI: Though the robbery at the Indian Overseas Bank Keelkatalai branch, had frightened Chennaiites and upset the police force, surprised local shopkeepers claimed that they witnessed absolutely no drama when the theft took place.The bank is located just a few metres away from the Madipakkam police station and the bustling Medavakkam High Road is a commercial hub with shops open close to midnight and heavy traffic flow throughout the day. The bank too was known to be busy with activity throughout the working hours of 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays except during the lunch break between 1.30 pm and 2 pm.Local shopkeepers claimed that they found Monday too just as usual as any other day. Prince, who runs a hardware store for 14 years right opposite the bank, said he found nothing amiss on Monday afternoon, when the theft was reported to have taken place. “It is a big branch and there are about 10 staff members. Most of the shopkeepers have an account here and a lot of money is transacted every day. The afternoon was just like any other day. However, we cannot see anything happening inside as the glass door at the entrance and the glass windows are tinted,” he said.Prince, who is also a customer of the bank, said that bank had not made any security arrangements. However, they had a burglary alarm, which he claimed, they had tested four days ago. “They have no guard and no CCTV cameras, which as customers, we feel they should have. But the alarm was tested just four days ago. I am surprised that it did not go off,” he said.Sivasubramaniam, who ran an estate company two shops away from Prince’s store, claimed that the busy Medavakkam High Road has eight to ten banks – both nationalised and private – located across the stretch. “There is TASMAC outlet opposite the bank that is busy throughout the day and the entire stretch of the road is busy with traffic. Despite that, the robbers had stolen the cash. This only goes to show how the bank operates,” he said.Tea shop owner Murali, whose shop is located right next to the bank building for the past 12 years, was busy tending to his brisk business and never realised that a theft has happened in the bank. He got to know about the incident only after police came arrived on the scene. “I have never been inside though I supply tea to many shops here. The bank staff have a lady to make them coffee and tea. I was right here and did not know such a thing had happened. Only after many police vehicles came in and parked in front of the bank did I inquire and was shocked to find that there was a robbery,” he said with a surprised look.