ATM security: Police chief to hold meet tomorrow

Bangalore: City police commissioner Raghav­endra H. Auradkar has convened a meeting with administrative officials from various banks across the city on Saturday to discuss the next course of action regarding ATM security arrangements.

The 45-day deadline given to bank officials across the city, to ensure the implementation of the mandatory security arrangements inside ATM kiosks, as per the city police commissioner’s orders, expired on January 10.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Auradkar said, “We have with us a list of ATMs and banks that do not meet the necessary security requirements. A final decision about these erring banks and ATMs will be taken on Saturday, and these authorities will be issued a strict warning of impending legal action.”

The police had issued the security guidelines after the brutal attack on 38-year-old Jyothi Uday inside an ATM kiosk near Hudson circle last November. As per the guidelines each ATM kiosk should have a functional CCTV camera, a burglary alarm or panic button and a security guard should be stationed outside round the clock.

If even one of these criteria was not complied with, that particular ATM kiosk would reportedly be closed immediately, the police had warned. “After the expiry of deadline, police stations across Bangalore have been instructed to check all the ATMs in their jurisdiction. A survey has been conducted and an updated list has been given to us,” said Auradkar.