Mannargudi bank heist: Staffer among four held

The police were able to crack the case with the help of CCTV footage taken from nearby areas. The accused have been identified as P Muthukumar (27), S Meeran Mydeen (29) of Sivandhankulam in Tuticorin town, M Sudalaimani (26) of Ganesa Colony, Tuticorin and R Mariyaselvam (35) of Brian Nagar, Tuticorin.

Police said Mariyaselvam was the mastermind. He is assistant at the Manapparai branch and made the plans as he was in dire need of money. The robbery happened last Monday in broad daylight. The four entered the bank and robbed Rs 5.58 lakh and 84 grams of gold at gunpoint. Mannargudi police had registered FIRs against them.

According to the police, it was difficult to trace the accused initially as they had removed the memory chip of the CCTV camera in the bank premises. Moreover the accused were wearing gloves, a senior police officer of Mannargudi police station said. The cops then decided to scrutinise all CCTV cameras in the vicinity, including the ones in shops, hotels.

The police also recovered Rs 1.47 lakh of the amount stolen, a Polo car, one pistol and a fake gun from Mariyaselvam.