Singrauli Bank Robbery: Nepal Link Emerges in ₹15 Crore Heist

Singrauli bank robbery probe reveals Nepal-based handler coordinating accused via internet calls; month-long recce uncovered

Lead Developments

In a significant breakthrough in the Singrauli bank robbery case, investigators have uncovered a cross-border link to Nepal in the ₹15 crore heist at a Bank of Maharashtra branch. Police sources indicated that a handler based in Nepal allegedly directed the five accused, who remained in contact through internet calling during the operation on April 17.

Cross-Border Angle

The emerging Nepal connection has added a new dimension to the Singrauli bank robbery probe. According to officials familiar with the investigation, the suspects did not communicate through conventional calls or social media, making it difficult for agencies to trace digital evidence. Instead, they relied solely on encrypted internet calls to coordinate before and during the crime.

Month-Long Recce

Preliminary findings suggest that the accused conducted detailed reconnaissance of the bank for nearly a month. They reportedly rented a room near Morwa police station limits, around 35 km from the district headquarters, and travelled daily to Baidhan to monitor the bank’s operations.

The arrested accused, identified as Kamlesh Kumar, told police during interrogation that the group finalised April 17 as the date of the robbery after weeks of planning.

Accused Profile

Police have identified the main आरोपी as Phantush alias Nanki, a resident of Nalanda district in Bihar. Other accused include individuals from Giridih in Jharkhand and West Singhbhum. A fifth आरोपी, believed to be around 19 years old, is yet to be fully identified.

Officials said all suspects are aged between 18 and 22 and are suspected to be part of a network of professional offenders who operate across states. “They do not maintain close personal ties and only follow instructions from a handler,” a source said.

Modus Operandi

Investigators revealed that the accused barely knew each other and were recruited for specific roles. Communication was strictly limited to internet calls, with no messages or digital trails left behind. This has posed challenges in extracting further details even from the arrested आरोपी.

During the robbery, one of the assailants reportedly held a gun to the bank manager’s head, preventing staff from triggering the alarm system.

Bank Security Lapses

The incident has also raised concerns over security arrangements at the branch. Officials confirmed that no security guard had been deployed at the bank since its opening in 2018. Following the robbery, an armed guard has now been appointed by the bank management.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of internal involvement. Superintendent of Police Manish Khatri said that bank कर्मचारियों have not been given a clean chit yet. “We are examining staff data and verifying if any कर्मचारी resigned recently,” he said.

Impact and Response

The Singrauli bank robbery has triggered a wider review of bank security protocols in the region. The incident, which involved the theft of approximately 9–10 kg of gold and ₹20 lakh in cash, has left bank staff and local residents shaken.

Four accused remain at large, and police have formed 10 special teams to track them down. Raids are being conducted across multiple राज्यों with assistance from neighbouring police units.

What Lies Ahead

As the investigation deepens, authorities are focusing on identifying and apprehending the Nepal-based handler. Officials said coordination with central agencies may be required if cross-border elements are confirmed.

The Singrauli bank robbery continues to be a high-priority case, with investigators working to dismantle what appears to be an organised interstate criminal network.