ATM loot: Cops in touch with Tamil Nadu counterparts

December 17, 2011

Mangalore, December 17: The City police have informed their counterparts in Tamil Nadu to disclose the actual identity and background of four accused, who were arrested for robbing Rs 25 lakh from the van of a security agency, which maintains the ATMs of State Bank of India (SBI).

The daring daylight robbery had occurred at Hampankatta on Thursday. The accused had managed to rob the chest containing Rs 25 lakh from the van of Pro-Interactive Services (PIS) while their personnel were loading cash to a SBIATM.

Mangalore north police inspector Vinay Gaonkartold TOI that they have already sent the details of the four accused to Rajajinagar police station inTiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu.

"We will collect information from them and if required, will take them to Tamil Nadu for further investigation. We are also trying to find whether the accused were involved in any other cases in the state or Tamil Nadu. So far they did not reveal anything about their past," he said.

It was one of the accused, 51 year-old P Mahindran, who diverted the attention of PIS van driver after dropping Rs 10 note near the van.

Mahindran was assigned the job of diverting the attention of driver. Van driver did not suspect when an elderly person showed him the money lying on the ground.

All the four accused including V Shridhar (35), Murali Logu (31) and P Hariharan (27) hails from Tiruchirapalli district, Gaonkar added.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

Comments