Tinsukia, Assam – In an unusual and rather bizarre incident, a rat managed to chew through currency notes worth approximately ₹12 lakh inside an ATM machine in Assam’s Tinsukia district. The incident has left bank officials, technicians, and locals both stunned and amused.
The incident came to light when technicians were sent to service the malfunctioning State Bank of India (SBI) ATM located in Laipuli, a semi-urban area in Tinsukia, on June 11. The ATM had stopped functioning for several days, raising concerns. Upon opening the machine, the technicians discovered a horrifying scene — a dead rat surrounded by shredded ₹500 and ₹2000 notes.
The ATM reportedly held ₹29 lakh in cash. After a detailed inspection and counting process, it was revealed that currency worth ₹12.38 lakh had been destroyed by the rodent, while the rest of the cash remained intact. The dead rat was found amid the torn and half-eaten currency bundles, confirming that it was the unlikely culprit behind the significant damage.
Bank Officials Shocked
Bank officials expressed shock over the peculiar incident. An SBI officer speaking on condition of anonymity stated, “We were surprised and confused when the machine was not dispensing cash despite being loaded. We called technicians for a check-up, and what they discovered inside was beyond anything we imagined.”
The ATM had been refilled with cash just days before the breakdown, but the issue was not taken seriously initially, as minor malfunctions are not uncommon. It was only after continued complaints from customers and a prolonged blackout that technicians decided to open the machine and investigate.
How Did the Rat Get In?
While an official explanation is still awaited, early suggestions indicate that the rat might have entered the ATM through a small hole or cable opening, escaping detection by security systems. Once inside, the animal found itself trapped, resorting to chewing the currency notes before ultimately dying, possibly due to electrocution or starvation.
A bank spokesperson stated, “This is a rare and unfortunate incident. We are reviewing the ATM’s installation and maintenance procedures to understand how such a breach occurred. Security measures are being re-evaluated to prevent any such occurrences in the future.”
Police, Public Reactions
Local police were informed, and a report was filed documenting the incident. However, officials confirmed that no foul play or human involvement is suspected. “It appears to be a freak incident. There is no evidence suggesting theft or sabotage,” a police officer said.
The local community reacted with a mix of disbelief and amusement. Images of the chewed-up currency and the dead rat went viral on social media platforms, sparking memes and jokes online.
Financial Impact and Investigation
While the damaged notes are considered non-recoverable, SBI has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter. The bank is expected to write off the destroyed currency after submitting the necessary documentation to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
An internal investigation has also been launched to assess the negligence or gaps in ATM maintenance that allowed such an incident to occur. The service agency responsible for ATM operations might face penalties if found lax in following standard security protocols.
Not the First of Its Kind
Though rare, this is not the first time animals have caused damage to automated systems. There have been previous reports from other states of rodents and insects damaging ATM machines and other electrical installations. However, the scale of monetary damage in this case makes it one of the most unusual and costly ATM incidents reported in recent times.
Conclusion
This peculiar case has become a talking point across the country, highlighting not only the need for improved ATM security but also the strange ways nature sometimes intersects with technology. While the rat paid with its life, the bank has been left counting its losses — quite literally.
