Peddapalli, Oct.12 : Ramagundam Police Commissioner Ambar Kishore Jha emphasized that financial crimes at banks and ATMs can be effectively prevented if bank officials and staff maintain close coordination with local law enforcement. Chairing a high-level security review meeting at the police commissionerate on Monday, the Commissioner addressed ACPs, inspectors from the Peddapalli and Mancherial zones, and representatives of various commercial banks to evaluate safety measures, CCTV surveillance, and crime prevention strategies.
During the meeting, the Commissioner revealed that the Ramagundam police commissionerate jurisdiction encompasses 109 banks and 79 ATM centers in the Peddapalli zone, alongside 109 banks and 89 ATM centers in the Mancherial zone. Pointing out shortcomings identified during recent police security audits—such as non-functional or low-quality CCTV cameras and missing security guards at certain locations—he mandated that every bank and ATM must strictly enforce standard security protocols without exception.
Commissioner Jha instructed that all ATM centers must feature 24-hour security guards, high-definition CCTV cameras, and functional alarm systems. Banks are required to install Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMD) at main entrances while ensuring security guards are equipped with Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMD). Furthermore, banks must maintain complete background verification records and photographs of all security personnel, whether deployed directly or through private security agencies, with heightened vigilance regarding temporary staff.
To safeguard digital evidence, the Commissioner directed that Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) must be installed in secure, hidden locations away from public view to prevent tampering or theft during robberies. Security guards must actively monitor surrounding areas for suspicious individuals or “attention diversion gangs,” and bank employees should receive specialized training to handle emergencies or robbery attempts calmly. Additionally, banks must notify local police in advance when cash is being loaded into ATMs to enable patrolling teams like Blue Colts to provide armed escort support.
Concluding the review, the Commissioner warned that security lapses during opening, closing, lunch hours, and holidays pose significant risks. He urged bank management to ensure guards remain vigilant at main entry points rather than sitting indoors and advised customers withdrawing large amounts to stay alert. The meeting was attended by Additional DCP (Admin) K. Srinivas, Special Branch ACP Nagendra Gouth, Godavarikhani ACP M. Ramesh, Mancherial ACP R. Prakash, and other senior police officials and bank managers.
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