ATM attack: Karnataka to formulate guidelines on security

The HinduPolice shut down ATMs across the City after the banks failed to comply with their directive on security measures for ATM kiosks, in Bangalore on Monday. Photo: K. Murali Kumar

In the wake of the recent brutal attack on a woman bank official at an unmanned ATM kiosk in Bangalore, the Karnataka government on Tuesday said it is formulating guidelines on security cover for not only ATMs but also for jewellery shops and other financial units.

A committee under Additional Chief Secretary S.K. Patnaik has been formed to frame guidelines on providing security at ATMs and other financial units also, Minister for Home T.J. George told the Legislative Assembly, which is holding its winter session in Bangalore.

In a brazen attack at an ATM kiosk in Bangalore on November 19, a 44-year-bank official was repeatedly hit with a machete by an assailant whose horrific act caught on CCTV footage evoked nationwide outrage. The woman is now recovering at a hospital.

The incident had prompted Karnataka government to ask banks to provide round the clock security or shut down, deadline for which ended on Sunday last. Over 1,000 ATMs in Bangalore which failed to comply with the directive are now shutdown.

Mr. George said of the 2,500 ATMs in the City, 600 are unmanned. “We have shut some ATMs wanting for security cover. But it isn’t permanent shutdown. As soon as the banks concerned provide security at their ATMs, we would allow them to function,” he said.

Replying to the issue raised by Suresh Kumar (BJP), the Minister said the committee, comprising banks, law and home department officials, would come out with its guidelines in the next 45 days.