 "An image of the hole cut through the roof of the train carrying RBI money")
A day after money was stolen from a train that carried cash worth Rs 342 crore from Salem to Chennai, a special team has been launched to investigate the crime.
An unidentified gang robbed cash from a compartment on the Chennai-bound Salem Express. The cash, belonging to five local banks, was being transported in 226 boxes which were to be handed over to the Reserve Bank of India.
While no official confirmation on the quantum of the money robbed, sources and reports stated that around Rs 5.78 crore was looted from two boxes.
Sources in the Police Department said that all inspectors between Chennai and Salem, who come under Railway Police Force, were asked to start the investigation immediately.
Besides, special teams have also been formed. The team from Chennai will be headed by Government Reserve Police SP Vijaykumar along with three DSPs. Meanwhile, in Tiruchy, a team headed by an SP has been formed.
In Salem, a 10-member team, consisting of Railway Police, Reserve Police and Tamil Nadu Police were formed and held a meeting on Wednesday morning.
Railway Police Inspector General M Ramasubramanian said that investigations had started after a complaint was filed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, there is no official word from RBI on this robbery yet. Officials in RBI’s regional office at Chennai refused to comment.
Police sources said that the investigation agencies are focussing on the 80-km stretch between Aathur to Virduchalam.
Meanwhile bank employees, both present and former, coolies who have carried the bags to the compartments, and railway employees are being questioned.
Police sources said that the train compartment came from Erode and quoting Railway officials they said the bankers have told the Railways they would take care of the security of the money.
They have also said that inside the compartment a few blood marks were spotted, which means one of the person who was involved in the robbery may have been injured.
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB's) Zonal Office acts as coordinator for sending currencies from the banks in Salem region. IOB officials were not available for comment immediately.
According to reports, every week banks send back soiled currencies to the Reserve Bank periodically and receive equal amount of fresh currencies.
