Chalakudy: A daylight robbery unfolded at the Potta branch of Federal Bank in Chalakudy, Thrissur, on Friday, when an armed man held bank officials hostage. The incident occurred at around 02:00 PM, with the robber threatening the staff with a knife. After smashing the glass counter, the thief  reportedly made off with Rs 15 lakh in cash.

It is learnt that the majority of the bank’s staff were away for lunch when the robber struck. The thief, armed with a knife, confronted the manager and another employee, locking them in a toilet after threatening them. He then demanded to know where the cash was stored and, using a chair, broke the counter and seized the money.

Thief escapes under disguise
The suspect, believed to have arrived on a motorcycle, swiftly escaped after stealing the money. Bank officials reported that the thief wore a helmet, and though he spoke, his accent remains unclear. The CCTV footage has been reviewed, but due to his disguise, no concrete details about the robber’s identity have emerged.

Police probe underway
Local police from Chalakudy have launched a detailed investigation, collecting evidence, including fingerprints, and analysing the CCTV footage for further leads. Police are focused on gathering as much information as possible to track down the robber.