Surat : Armed robbers storm SBI branch, flee with ₹50 lakh

Surat | Gujarat — A daring daylight robbery shook Surat on Monday after four armed men stormed a bank branch in the busy Varachha area, held employees hostage and escaped with nearly ₹50 lakh in cash. The incident has triggered widespread panic and launched a massive citywide police manhunt.

The robbery took place at the State Bank of India branch in Varachha during working hours, when customers and staff were present inside the premises. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the armed assailants executed the heist within minutes.

Staff held hostage at gunpoint

According to preliminary police reports, four unidentified men entered the bank carrying weapons and immediately threatened employees. The robbers reportedly forced staff to comply and took control of the premises before accessing the cash counter and strong room.

Officials said the accused looted around ₹50 lakh before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported, but the incident left employees and customers shaken.

A senior police officer said, “The robbers were well-prepared and acted swiftly. Our teams are examining every lead to track them down as soon as possible.”

Citywide police operation launched

Within minutes of the alarm being raised, local police teams and senior officials rushed to the bank and sealed off the surrounding area. Checkpoints were set up across the city as part of an intensive search operation.

Investigators have begun collecting CCTV footage from the bank and nearby establishments to identify the suspects and trace their escape route.

An officer at the scene said, “We are scanning multiple CCTV feeds and tracking possible getaway vehicles. The entire city has been put on alert.”

Panic spreads in busy Varachha area

The Varachha locality, known for its dense residential and commercial activity, witnessed heavy police deployment following the incident. Residents and shopkeepers expressed concern over safety in the area.

One local shop owner said, “We heard about the robbery within minutes. It is shocking that such a big crime happened in broad daylight.”

Investigation underway

Police officials confirmed that special teams have been formed to track the accused and recover the stolen cash. Authorities believe the robbers may have conducted prior reconnaissance of the branch.