Thrissur: In a breakthrough in the Potta Federal Bank robbery case, police have arrested the suspect, Rijo Antony, a resident of Asarikkad, Chalakudy. The special investigation team apprehended him 36 hours after the crime and recovered ₹10 lakh from his possession.

Robbery details

The incident occurred during the lunch break on Friday at the bank branch located on the old national highway, near Potta Little Flower Church. At around 2:12 PM, the masked thief, wearing a black helmet, jacket, and gloves, entered the bank after parking his scooter behind a car in front of the building.

With no security guards present, he easily overpowered the employees. Threatening the manager and another staff member with a knife, he forced them into the dining room, where four others were eating. After locking them inside, he attempted to break open the cash counter with his shoulder before smashing the window to grab cash bundles.

At the time of the robbery, ₹47 lakh was stacked on the counter. However, the thief selectively took only three bundles of ₹5 lakh each, amounting to ₹15 lakh, before fleeing the scene.

CCTV footage of robbery.

Investigation and arrest

Initially, police suspected the robber was from another state due to his use of Hindi. However, further investigation revealed he was a local with knowledge of the area. CCTV footage showed the accused leaving the scene and heading towards Angamaly, but there was no direct evidence of him entering the national highway.

Authorities had issued alerts at toll plazas and neighbouring districts, tightening surveillance at railway stations. A critical breakthrough came when investigators tracked him using local intelligence, leading to his arrest.

During interrogation, Rijo Antony confessed that he committed the robbery to repay debts. Despite having no prior criminal record, his precise knowledge of the bank’s operations and his selective cash grab led police to suspect he had inside information or external assistance.

In response to the incident, the bank has reinforced its security. Additional security personnel were deployed at the branch on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, police continue to probe whether Antony acted alone or if a larger conspiracy was involved.