The accused in a daylight bank robbery in Kerala’s Thrissur district that occurred last week confessed to the motive behind the heist–he wanted to clear his debts before his wife returned from abroad.
Authorities revealed that the accused, identified as Chalakudy native Rijo Antony, once worked in the Gulf and was leading a lavish lifestyle despite financial struggles. Describing the robbery as “well-planned”, Thrissur Rural Superintendent of Police B Krishnakumar revealed Antony was familiar with the Federal Bank system.
Last week, a knife-wielding, helmet-wearing man robbed Rs 15 lakh from the Federal Bank branch in Chalakudy. Antony told the police he robbed the bank because he was in debt. The police have since arrested Antony and recovered Rs 10 lakh of the Rs 15 lakh stolen.
“He knew the bank’s schedule well. He timed the heist between 2 and 2.30 pm, ensuring minimal presence inside. He has an account at the Chalakudy branch and deliberately chose escape routes to avoid police detection,” said Krishnakumar.
To throw off investigators, Antony changed his clothes three times and even switched languages, speaking in both Hindi and Malayalam, the senior officer said.
He used his own bike for the crime but cleverly disguised it with a number plate from another vehicle spotted at a church festival.
Last week, at the time of the robbery, only the manager and another staff member were present, as the rest of the employees had gone for lunch. Those present were held hostage while the money was stolen.