August 07, 2008	Thursday	Sha’aban 4, 1429

HYDERABAD, Aug 6: There has not been tangible progress in the bank robbery case that took place on Tuesday when dacoits fled away with Rs15 million. DPO Hyderabad Dr Najaf Qulli Mirza has formed three teams to resolve the heist. However, unspecified number of suspects has been picked up for interrogation.

An FIR is lodged against unidentified men for looting Rs15 million from a security company van. Police are questioning four officials of the SMS security company, while senior officials of the company also met DPO Hyderabad.

Robbers succeeded in taking away six bags of money, while the driver’s presence of mind saved two bags. Reportedly, none of the security guards resisted the burglary.

The MCB Foundation guard dared not peep out from inside the branch even though heavy firing took place right under his nose. It has come to notice that the close circuit camera is undergoing repair as it developed a fault after rain on August 2.

The MCB management has submitted claim to the security company for payment and been assured of an early compensation.

Police has not released the SMS guards despite their officials’ bid as it wants further interrogation. Police will not hesitate in picking up officials of the security company if a slightest hint of their men’s involvement popped up.

DPO Dr Mirza happens to note some lapses on the part of security men while transferring money from van to the branch. He told Dawn that the standard operating procedures were not followed.

DPO has formed three teams to be headed by ASP Cantonment Asif Iqbal Mehmand, Supervising SP Investigation Ghulam Nabi Keerio, and Supervising Police Officer City Ahmad Khan Awan, while officials of Operation and Investigation Wings, CIA, and Anti-Car Lifting Cell are part of teams. Sketches of dacoits have also been prepared.

Police are at loss as to how dacoits fled from such a congested locality, while their modus operandi too is baffling the entire hierarchy. Dacoits were too apt in their designs. A source admitting the bewildering act seems to be nowhere near a breakthrough.

DPO chaired a meeting of all security companies providing services in handling cash of various banks.

He directed to ensure transfer before 5pm along with providing all relevant details of security guards to police and an assurance to park vans right next to bank’s gate and guards taking their position and refraining from transferring cash.