Cops caution careless bankers

368 banks in Cyberabad ignore RBI security guidelines

Hyderabad: Alarmed over the growing number of bank and ATM robberies, the Cyberabad Commissionerate has warned bank managements of stringent action if they failed to adopt RBI guidelines in letter and spirit. The move comes after a detailed investigation revealed that 368 of the 788 banks in Cyberabad limits had no security guards and 24 banks were operating without installing CCTVs.

Strangely, banks in Cyberabad continue to operate 627 ATMS without security guards, despite 40 ATM theft attempts recorded in the past three years. It was found that 87 ATMs did not have CC cameras, 33 ATMS did not have proper lighting and 104 of the 1370 ATMs in Cyberabad were located on the outskirts and in remote areas.

Stating that they would conduct surprise checks from March 1 this year, Cyberabad Commissioner C V Anand said that officials not taking precautionary measures shall be liable for prosecution u/s 406 IPC (criminal breach of trust), 420 IPC (Cheating & dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 188 IPC (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).

During a review meeting with bankers, which was attended by RBI General Manager Dr S Subbaiah and 215 bank officials, he pointed out that half of the banks in Cyberabad limits did not employ security guards, thereby compromising the security of these banks. “We have been holding meetings for the past three years, but several banks have flouted the guidelines of RBI. We shall be acting tough against violators,” the commissioner said.

During the meeting, bankers were asked to safeguard banks and ATMs by providing security guards round-the-clock. "Installation of CCTV cameras, both inside and outside should cover all vital places of suspicious movement a must for each bank. A CC camera should be of able to capture image not less than 5 mega pixel night vision mode, while Infrared cameras would record quality footage.

It was also suggested that banks and ATMs should be secured by a sensor system that can detect attacks like hammering, drilling, welding, gas cutting and other means," he said. Important guidelines include the installation of an alarm system to prevent banks and ATMs offences with the facility of phone alerting systems to the incharge bank officials and also to the police station concerned.

The entry door of the banks and ATMs should be fitted with a magnetic lock. "A security guard should keep watch on strangers and if any suspicion arises, he must immediately inform the local police," he said. He asked security guards to be trained well to respond to emergency situations and also make them familiar with dial 100 and Whatsapp (9490617444) connectivity.

“The bank management should ensure that electrical system, CCTV network, fire alarm, burglar alarm system are installed before any bank opens its branch,” said the commissioner. The Commissioner informed that the police was ready to provide armed license to security guards as part of enhancing security measures. He assured that instances like the theft at Andhra Bank Ghatkesar, where 5 kg of gold was burgled, would not happen in future.

“People have been demanding action against bank officials. Cases have been registered against the accused and it will be solved. Henceforth, all bank managements must ensure that security measures are in place before any branch or ATM is opened,” he added.