Kishtwar, 4 February 2025: Masked thieves broke into the Suid branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Kishtwar’s remote Dachchan area early Monday, stealing approximately Rs 19 lakh.
The burglary took place around 2:30 AM when the perpetrators forced open the main entrance, pried open the cash vault, and fled with the money. Bank staff discovered the theft in the morning, finding the main door open and locks missing—possibly taken by the thieves to erase evidence.
Police registered a case following a complaint from the branch manager and retrieved CCTV footage showing two masked individuals inside the bank.
“We are not ruling out the involvement of more people,” police sources said. Given Dachchan’s history of militancy, authorities are also examining a possible militant link.
SSP Kishtwar Javid Iqbal confirmed the burglary but said the exact amount stolen is still being assessed. A Special Investigation Team, led by Deputy SP Sumit, is probing the case.
Security lapses at the bank have raised concerns. “The branch had no guard, no road access, and only a wooden lock securing the entrance,” the SSP noted. Investigators are also looking into potential insider involvement as the probe continues.
