In a bewildering court session in Kanpur, a B.Sc student identified only as Lavi, faced a judge’s scrutiny after attempting to rob the State Bank of India in Ghatampur under the threat of force. The judge was notably puzzled by Lavii’s planned escape method—on a bicycle.
On January 19th, Lavi, a third-year B.Sc student from Hardevi Smriti College, armed with a locally-made pistol, stormed into the SBI branch. He was promptly apprehended by bank staff. During the scuffle, he injured the bank manager and a cashier with a knife before being overpowered and tied up.
When asked about his girlfriend, whom reports suggest might have influenced his decisions, Lavi remained silent, reflecting the personal complexities surrounding the case. The court has ordered an examination of his mobile phone’s call detail record (CDR) to gather more insights.
Lavi, coming from a simple farming family, has reportedly been under immense pressure to provide financially. This desperation led him to plan the heist under dire circumstances, influenced by external threats to his safety and his family’s.
Investigations revealed Lavii’s meticulous preparation, including watching 650 videos related to bank heists and frequenting the bank to map out the interior. His mobile phone content suggested a deep dive into criminal tactics, raising concerns about the influences of digital content on real-life actions.
According to Lavii, he was coerced by a group threatening his family, demanding he commit the robbery. They promised his safety and his family’s in return, a promise left unfulfilled as police interrupted the January 19 attempt.
The ACP of Ghatampur, Ranjit Kumar Singh, stated that Lavii’s story remained consistent throughout the investigation. The police are continuing their probe, bolstered by surveillance footage and further analysis of Lavii’s communications.
The perplexed judge ordered a 14-day judicial custody for Lavii as the investigation continues, highlighting a bizarre attempt of crime born out of desperation and influenced by a severe misjudgment, with a bicycle as his planned getaway.
