Man Arrested from Rajasthan for Attempting to Break Open PNB ATM in Solan Police have arrested a Rajasthan resident for attempting to break open the cash vault of a Punjab National Bank ATM in the Dharampur area of Solan district. 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. What this means for you The prompt activation of the built-in security alarm prevented the theft of cash, though physical damage temporarily disrupted local banking access. • In Himachal Pradesh: Solan district and nearby rural belts will likely see tighter inspection of ATM security features and surveillance setups by banking authorities. Local branches may increase night vigilance and audit silent alarm connectivity across remote kiosks. • For Local Residents: Residents of Chewa panchayat and adjoining areas will need to use alternative cash machines while this damaged unit undergoes repair. Normal cash dispensing operations at this specific kiosk will remain affected until the hardware is restored. • Consumer Vigilance: Bank customers are reminded to inspect cash dispensing slots, cameras, and card readers for signs of physical tampering or black paint before initiating transactions. Any suspicious alterations should be brought to the immediate notice of local authorities. • Security Infrastructure: The outcome underscores the reliability of automated perimeter and sensor alarms in preventing bank break-ins. Financial institutions with isolated machines must ensure that remote sirens and sensor systems remain in peak working order. Why this happened The crime occurred as two intruders attempted a calculated burglary on a bank kiosk under the cover of darkness while trying to blind security cameras. • Targeted Burglary Attempt: The suspects entered the Punjab National Bank booth in Chewa panchayat during the night with tools to pry open the cash dispenser vault. Their clear aim was to forcibly retrieve the physical currency stored within the unit. • Concealment Tactics: To avoid leaving visual evidence for law enforcement, the perpetrators applied black paint to the CCTV camera lens, card reader, and receipt printer. They attempted to block all video surveillance and sensor recording before launching their physical assault on the machine. • Triggering of Alarm: Tampering with the secure dispenser box triggered the automated anti-theft alarm inside the booth. The loud alert immediately unnerved the intruders, prompting them to abandon the loot and escape into the night. • Technical Investigation: A joint team of local police and the Solan Cyber Cell used surrounding surveillance streams and digital trace evidence to track the suspects. This coordinated interstate probe led officers to Rajasthan, where the first suspect was apprehended on October 29. Questions & Answers 1. When and where did the attempted ATM break-in occur in Solan? The incident occurred on the intervening night of October 9 and October 10, 2026, at the PNB ATM in Chewa panchayat under Dharampur police station in Solan district. 2. Who has been arrested in connection with the crime? Police arrested 43-year-old Virendra Singh Poonia, son of Bani Singh, who is a resident of Deeg village and tehsil in Rajasthan's Deeg district. 3. How did the suspects attempt to conceal their identities? They smeared black paint over the kiosk's CCTV camera lens, the card reader slot, and the receipt printer to block video recording. 4. Why was the theft attempt unsuccessful? While the suspects were forcing open the cash dispenser vault, the ATM security alarm triggered, forcing them to flee empty-handed. 5. What legal action was initiated by the authorities? Dharampur police registered FIR number 177/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, leading to the arrest on October 29. 6. Is another suspect involved in this case? Yes, a second accomplice has been identified by the police, and efforts are underway to locate and arrest him. https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/solan-ke-dharampur-men-pnb-atm-torane-vala-rajasthan-se-pakara-gaya-sathi-ki-talasha-jari-56082 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.