Nagpur SBI Branch Robbed With Chilli Powder Attack, Suspect Held in 30 Minutes

A State Bank of India branch in Nagpur was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening when a man threw red chilli powder at employees before snatching cash from the counter and escaping, police said.

The incident occurred around 6:00 pm at the SBI branch in the Maharashtra city, where business was proceeding as usual and staff were attending to their duties.

The man entered the branch posing as an ordinary customer and walked up to the cash counter. Before anyone could react, he pulled out red chilli powder he had concealed on his person and flung it into the eyes of the employees, leaving them unable to see.

CCTV footage from inside the branch shows the accused, dressed in a red kurta and black pyjama with his face fully covered, throwing the powder at the staff. In one clip, two to three employees are seen running for safety while the man chases them.

Amid the panic, the accused picked up Rs 4 lakh in cash from the counter and ran out of the bank. Some employees and a security guard gave chase despite the danger, but he managed to escape by slipping into the crowded area outside.

Bank officials alerted the local police station, and officers began examining footage from cameras installed inside and outside the branch. The video gave a clear description of the suspect and the direction in which he had fled.

Using the footage, police set up checkpoints across the area and alerted patrol teams. Within 30 minutes of the robbery, officers traced and detained the accused, and a search led to the recovery of the entire Rs 4 lakh taken from the bank.

The accused has been arrested and is being questioned. Further investigation is underway.