Police have made no breakthrough in the investigation of the murder earlier this month of a watchman inside a State Bank of India ATM outlet in Thanichiyam near here.
Though the investigating officers claimed to have gathered clues and were chasing up some vital leads, they have made no headway in cracking the case, according to sources.
CCTV footage from a camera installed at the ATM helped police eatablish the identity of the killers.In addition, fingerprints were lifted from the scene of the crime. However, there has been little progress in tracking the culprits.
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While the watchman, Paneerselvam (50), was found dead with stab injuries around his neck and other parts, the cash remained intact in the ATM. The attempts to break open the machine had failed. Apprehending trouble, the two culprits had fled the scene.
Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan has appealed to the public to pass information on to the police and has even offered rewards.
About a week ago, the police advised banks to take stock of their ATM outlets, especially those located in isolated areas and without security guards or CCTV cameras. By providing basic security measures, such crimes could be prevented, they were told.
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The police have also recommended heightened security arrangements at jewellery stores, banks and textile showrooms.