Student Attempts Bank Robbery Inspired by YouTube Videos
Incident Overview
In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a B.Sc. student took his father's comments about earning money too seriously, leading him to devise a plan to rob a bank. The young man watched videos on YouTube about bank heists to prepare for his crime, also learning from social media reels. He then attempted to carry out the robbery alone.
Details of the Robbery Attempt
The incident occurred around 10 AM on Saturday at the State Bank of India branch in Patara, Ghazipur. Arriving on a bicycle, the student entered the bank armed with a firearm, a knife, and a surgical blade. When the security guard tried to intervene, he attacked the guard with the knife. However, the bank manager, cashier, and other staff members bravely subdued him and tied him up.
Injuries and Arrest
During the scuffle, three individuals, including the bank manager, sustained injuries. The accused also suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Investigations by the police, including a review of his mobile phone, revealed significant details about the robbery attempt.
Background of the Accused
The suspect, Lavish Mishra, is a student pursuing both B.Sc. and ITI courses. He had watched over 50 videos on YouTube about bank robberies, focusing particularly on those executed by individuals acting alone. Lavish's father, Awadhesh Mishra, is a farmer, and the family struggles financially. When Lavish asked for money, his father advised him to earn it, which led Lavish to seek a shortcut through robbery.
Motivation Behind the Crime
Lavish misinterpreted his father's advice, opting for a quick and illegal way to make money. He equipped himself with a surgical blade and a bag intended for carrying cash. His plan involved intimidating the guard to instill fear among the bank staff. Initially, Lavish claimed he was coerced by others to commit the robbery, but police dismissed this as false, supported by evidence from his phone.
Lack of Remorse
After his arrest, Lavish showed little remorse for his actions. Even at the police station, he maintained an air of defiance, strolling around casually. He has since been remanded to jail. This incident raises important questions about who is responsible for guiding youth towards the right path and preventing them from making poor choices.