Robbers tunnel their way into a bank in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer: In a case that seems straight out of a classic heist film, robbers dug their way into a bank in Jaisalmer and managed to escape with money from right under the noses of the authorities.

The embarrassing incident came to light today after officials of the bank, a branch of the State Bank of India, discovered a gaping hole right in the middle of the floor of the strongroom where most of the cash is stored.

As investigations began, it was found that a 40-50-feet-long tunnel had been dug from outside that led right into the locker room. The tunnel, which originates from behind the bank where a residential colony is located, would have probably taken about a fortnight to be dug. So even as the digging was on, neither the residents of the colony nor the guards at the bank sensed any alarm - something that has left the authorities at the bank red-faced.

Officials at the bank are unwilling to reveal the exact amount of cash that has gone missing, but sources say it could be to the tune of 1 crore rupees.

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