Agartala, July 7: A vigilant ATM user and alert local residents foiled an alleged attempt to steal cash from a bank ATM in Agartala's Kadamtali area, leading to the detention of two suspected fraudsters on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) ATM kiosk under the jurisdiction of West Agartala Police Station.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the accused had allegedly tampered with the cash dispensing outlet by sticking a thin plywood strip over it using adhesive, preventing the machine from dispensing money to customers.

The suspected plan was to allow the ATM to process transactions and debit customers' accounts while blocking the cash from coming out. Since the dispenser remained obstructed, the notes were also unable to retract into the machine, leaving the cash trapped inside until the suspects could retrieve it later.

The scheme unraveled when a customer attempted to withdraw cash but received only transaction confirmation messages on his mobile phone, with no money being dispensed. Initially assuming it to be a technical fault, he was about to leave when he noticed traces of glue around the cash outlet. On closer inspection, he removed the plywood strip and recovered his money before informing the bank's customer care.

Instead of leaving the spot, the customer continued monitoring the ATM kiosk. Shortly afterwards, two youths entered the kiosk and allegedly attempted to execute their plan. One of them reportedly tried to make a withdrawal by entering a large amount, but the transaction failed due to insufficient balance. The customer recorded part of the incident on his mobile phone and confronted the duo after they stepped out of the kiosk.

When questioned about their transaction, the suspects allegedly tried to flee. However, the customer, with the assistance of another local resident, chased them down and detained them before alerting the police.

A team from West Agartala Police Station reached the location and took both suspects into custody for interrogation.

Investigators suspect the pair may have employed the same technique at other ATM kiosks in the city. Police are examining CCTV footage from the bank kiosk and nearby areas to determine whether the suspects are linked to similar incidents reported elsewhere.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the accused were operating independently or as part of a larger ATM fraud network.