A major breakthrough has been achieved in the investigation into the failed theft attempt at a Punjab National Bank ATM in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district. Law enforcement officials have arrested a resident of Rajasthan who, along with an accomplice, attempted to break open the cash dispenser vault in Chewa panchayat under the Dharampur police station limits. While one suspect is now in custody, efforts remain underway to trace and apprehend the second individual involved in the late-night break-in attempt.
Midnight Break-in Attempt in Chewa Panchayat
According to Solan Superintendent of Police Sai Dattatreya Varma, the crime took place on the intervening night of October 9 and October 10, 2026. Two intruders entered the Punjab National Bank ATM kiosk located in Chewa panchayat with the specific intent of looting cash by prying open the machine's dispenser vault. To avoid identification and evade surveillance systems, the suspects smeared black paint over the CCTV camera lens, the card reader slot, and the receipt printer inside the kiosk before initiating their attack on the cash vault.
Security Alarm Foils Theft but Leaves Equipment Damaged
Despite their calculated efforts to conceal their identities, the attempt to steal cash was thwarted by the integrated safety mechanisms of the booth. As the suspects began forcing open the secure cash dispenser vault, the security alarm system was triggered, sounding an immediate alert. Panicked by the blaring sirens and the risk of immediate capture, both men abandoned the heist and fled the scene empty-handed. Although the money remained intact, the perpetrators caused substantial physical damage to the ATM machine, card slots, and kiosk interior.
Interstate Probe Leads to Arrest in Deeg
Following the incident, First Information Report number 177/2026 was lodged at Dharampur police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Given the interstate nature of the crime, a joint special investigation team comprising Dharampur police personnel and the Solan District Cyber Cell was constituted. Investigators carried out an in-depth analysis of surrounding surveillance footage, forensic trails, and digital technical evidence to identify the culprits.
Acting on specific electronic leads, the police team tracked the primary suspect to Rajasthan and arrested him on October 29. The individual was identified as 43-year-old Virendra Singh Poonia, son of Bani Singh, residing in Deeg village and tehsil within the Deeg district of Rajasthan. Investigators are currently interrogating him in custody to determine whether he is linked to other financial crimes, while verifying his past criminal history. Police have also identified the second suspect involved in the break-in and have intensified search operations to secure his arrest.
