He barged into the bank at around 9.30 am and shot pepper spray into the eyes of five persons including the bank staff and two sweepers. He then tied their hands behind them with rope and made them lie down on the floor at knifepoint.

However, while waiting for the keys to the bank lockers, one of the employees broke himself free and alerted the local people who overpowered Khaleel and later handed him over to the police. The inebriated youth, according to police, said he was depressed with life and tried to rob the bank after getting inspiration from the movie ‘Thunivu’ which portrays a bank heist.

Based on a complaint lodged by the bank manager, Dindigul West police arrested Rahman and remanded him in judicial custody. Police are also probing conspiracy angles involving other people.

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