After dusk, robbers rule the roost in Patti
Residents accuse police of inaction; bank officials say they have been told to down ATM shutters after sunset
PATTI (TARN TARAN): If you plan to visit the Patti area of the border district, especially after dusk, do not depend on your credit and debit cards to withdraw cash as the banks here have been ‘forced’ to close their ATMs (automated teller machines) post evening due to the looming security threat.
The threat is of robbery which has stupefied not only banks but residents too.
People in Patti have been alleging that Tarn Taran police failed to ward off their fear of robbers in their area.
According to bank officials in Patti, the police have verbally ordered them to shut down their ATMs soon after the dusk everyday. “However, no written order has been given to us in this regard,” said JP Chouhan, manager of State Bank of India, Patti.
Confirming the decision, Patti deputy superintendent of police Sohan Singh said, “The ATMs located in the remote areas have been asked to close down after evening.”
“We are living in a constant fear because of the increasing crimes in the area but the police, instead of arresting the culprits, have asked us to follow preventive measures,” Chouhan said.
“Last month, on their way home, my colleagues were looted and thrashed by few unidentified robbers near Mahi resort in Patti,” he added.
“Police are of no benefit if we have to live in constant fear,” said another bank official, requesting anonymity.
Lucky Kumar, a Patti resident, said, “Incidents of robbery, snatching and theft have seen a drastic rise in the area. Residents are distressed as police have failed to perform their duties honestly.”
“It must be a security concern that the top police officials have issued such an advisory otherwise the banks would not shut their ATMs after evening,” said Amrik Singh, lead district manager.