Jharsuguda, July 21: In a daring daylight heist, three armed miscreants looted the Odisha Grameen Bank at Chikhilapali Chhak near Bhikampali under the Rengali police limits in Jharsuguda district on Monday. The incident took place around noon when the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, entered the bank wearing helmets, and threatened staff at gunpoint.

The robbers reportedly intimidated the bank manager and employees before looting an undisclosed amount of cash. They fled the scene immediately after the act. The exact amount stolen is yet to be determined.

Senior police officials, including Brajarajnagar SDPO Chintamani Pradhan, Rengali IIC Samarendra Nayak, Brajarajnagar IIC Dhabaleswar Sahu, and Belpahar IIC Krushna Chandra Meher, rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the bank is being thoroughly examined, and multiple leads are being pursued.

Police suspect the robbers may have escaped towards the Chhattisgarh border. In response, all connecting routes to the neighbouring state have been sealed, and a massive manhunt has been initiated.

Authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to trace the culprits and bring them to justice.