Money collection agent robbed of Rs20 lakh in city

Patna: A money collection agent of a private cash management company was robbed of Rs20 lakh at gunpoint by motorcycle-borne criminals near Alpana market under Patliputra police station area on Monday.The incident occurred while the agent, Pankaj Kumar, was on his way to deposit cash at the Central Bank of India on Boring Road, after collecting the money from local shops in Patliputra area.Police have launched an investigation, and the District Intelligence Unit (DIU) team is examining CCTV footage to identify the culprits.Upon receiving information, police reached the spot and began an investigation.Pankaj went to the Sai Mandir area on Monday afternoon to collect money. At around 3pm, he collected approximately Rs20 lakh from his clients.According to Pankaj, “I kept all the money in a bag and was going from Sai Mandir to the Boring Road to deposit the money. As soon as I reached a lane near Alpana Market, masked criminals riding two criminals surrounded me.”One biker blocked the way from the front, while the other pointed a pistol from behind. When he resisted their loot bid, the criminals threatened to shoot him. During the altercation, one of the criminals snatched the bag containing the cash. After carrying out the crime, all the accused fled towards the Boring Road roundabout.Patliputra SHO, Atulesh Kumar Singh, said: “An FIR has been registered against three unidentified criminals based on the application of the collection agent. He used to collect money from several small and big shops in the area. We are examining the CCTV footage and questioning witnesses. We will soon arrest the robbers.”