A daring armed robbery at the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Koti left a depositor injured and Rs 6 lakh in cash stolen in broad daylight on Saturday morning, causing panic among bank staff and passersby. The incident occurred between 6:50 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. at the Bank Street ATM, under the jurisdiction of Sultan Bazar Police Station.

The victim, Rinshad P.V., 26, a businessman from Kozhikode, Kerala, dealing in readymade kids’ clothing and currently residing at Janath Apartments in Nampally, had arrived in Hyderabad on January 7 carrying Rs 6 lakh in cash to purchase wholesale stock at Dewan Devdi. When the purchases did not materialize, his cousin Mishban advised him to deposit the cash in his bank account.

On Saturday morning, Rinshad reached the SBI Koti ATM on a vehicle belonging to his friend Ameer. While depositing the cash, two unidentified men on an Activa scooter approached him from behind. The assailants threatened him by pressing a firearm against his abdomen and fired two rounds. One of the bullets struck Rinshad’s right leg, causing a bleeding injury. The robbers then snatched the cash bag along with Rinshad’s vehicle keys and the bike before fleeing the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects drove the stolen bike towards Chaderghat signal and Nimboliadda, Kachiguda, where they abandoned it. After changing their clothes, they reportedly escaped on foot towards Kachiguda X Roads. Police believe the attack was premeditated and that the assailants may have conducted prior surveillance of Rinshad before targeting him.

Police form special investigation teams

Hyderabad City Police have taken immediate action. A case has been registered at Sultan Bazar Police Station (FIR No. 28/2026) under Sections 109 (Attempt to Murder) and 309 (Robbery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.

DCP Shilpavalli of the Khairatabad Zone confirmed that five special teams have been formed to trace the accused using CCTV footage and other technical evidence. Authorities are coordinating with neighbouring jurisdictions, analyzing the suspects’ escape route, and tracking all leads.

Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity by calling Dial 100, assuring strict confidentiality for informants.