Kolkata man fails to repay home loan, tries to rob bank with toy gun; arrested

Dalim Basu, an employee of the Department of Post, walked into a nationalised bank around 3 PM on Friday and attempted a robbery by brandishing a toy gun, demanding that customers and staff hand over all their belongings.

A 31-year-old man was arrested in Kolkata’s Survey Park area for allegedly attempting to rob a bank using a toy gun, police said on Saturday.

The accused, Dalim Basu, who works for the Department of Post, entered a nationalised bank around 3 PM on Friday and tried to rob it by brandishing a toy gun. According to a police officer, Basu pointed the toy gun at the customers and staff, demanding they hand over all their belongings.

Basu, who is a regular customer of the bank, was reportedly under extreme stress due to his inability to repay a home loan and manage his growing financial obligations. The officer stated that Basu’s financial crisis likely pushed him to commit the desperate act.

However, his plan quickly unraveled. As the situation unfolded, both the bank manager and several customers realized that the weapon he was holding was a toy. Taking advantage of the moment, they managed to catch him from behind and overpower him. He was then handed over to the police.

Upon his arrest, police recovered not just the toy gun but also a knife from his possession. Authorities believe he may have intended to use the knife as a backup weapon during the attempted robbery.

The incident has raised concerns over increasing financial pressure on individuals and how it can drive even employed citizens to take drastic and unlawful steps. Basu remains in police custody as further investigation is underway.

Police are also examining whether he had planned the act alone or if there were any others involved. For now, he has been charged and will be presented before the court.