Armed robbers looted Rs 15 lakh from two banks in Jamui and Madhubani districts on Tuesday, belying tall claims of the police that they have been patrolling in and around banks regularly.

The first incident occurred in Jamui where six armed robbers looted Rs 8.8 lakh from Gramin Bank at Matia Bazar under the jurisdiction of Barhat police station around 10.30am. The criminals held the cashier captive at gunpoint and looted the amount.

The cashier had no option but to allow the criminals to collect money from the cash counter and the chest. On getting information, Jamui superintendent of police J.J. Reddy visited the bank and inquired about the incident. An FIR has been lodged against unidentified criminals.

A report from Madhubani said armed robbers took away Rs 5.92 lakh from a customer care service at Benipatti around 11am. Three persons, including the manager of the customer care service of State Bank of India, Chandra Mohan Prasad, received gunshot injuries in the incident.

Prasad told the police that the incident occurred when he along with his staff Dharmendra Kumar Mandal was returning to the centre after withdrawing money from the main branch of the bank. The robbers opened fire when he tried to resist.

Police said shopkeeper Gopal Kamat was attacked when he attempted to catch the robbers. He also received bullet injuries and was admitted to Benipatti primary health centre. Chandra Mohan was rushed to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

Madhubani superintendent of police Deepak Barnwal rushed to the spot and inquired about the incident. Deepak told reporters in Madhubani that the culprits would be brought to book. “Efforts are underway to nab the robbers,” he said over the phone.

Benipatti sub-divisional police officer Pushkar Kumar said the robbers hit a woman while trying to flee with the money.

He said the borders of the district have been sealed and a vehicle-checking drive has been initiated.

Additional report by Shri Krishna Prasad in Munger