Burglars broke open an ATM on the Cuddalore - Chittoor Road (NH 38) at Mulluvadi village in Ranipet in the early hours of Tuesday. They also made away with over ₹7 lakh in cash after removing the chest box using a gas cutting machine.

The police said that the kiosk is located on the outskirts of the village near an educational institution. The outlet had remained closed with people unable to withdraw cash that night. There were also no security personnel at the outlet.

When bank officials noticed that there were no withdrawals at the ATM, they reached the outlet and found its shutter closed from the outside. On gaining access, they discovered that the ATM had been forcibly damaged and cash stolen.

Based on a complaint by bank officials, a case was registered by Kalavai police. Special teams were formed to nab the suspects. Fingerprint experts and sniffer dogs were roped in to take clues at the crime scene. Along with a team of police personnel, Superintendent of Police P. Sibin inspected the spot. The police said that cyber teams are also analysing CCTV camera footage on the route. A probe is under way.

In February 2023, burglars broke open four bank ATMs on the Cuddalore - Chittoor Road (NH 38) in Tiruvannamalai district and made away with over ₹72.50 lakh in cash after setting fire to the machines.