INDIA: An unusual incident in the Indian state of Assam has shocked both bank officials and customers after a mouse reportedly destroyed over ₹1.2 million in cash stored inside an automated teller machine (ATM). According to local media reports, the damage was discovered when technicians arrived to service the machine after it had stopped functioning for several days. Upon opening the ATM, they found shredded currency notes scattered across the compartments, with a live mouse suspected to be the culprit behind the destruction.
Bank authorities stated that the ATM, located in a semi-urban area, had been out of service for nearly two weeks, which may have allowed the rodent to enter unnoticed. The cash in question had been replenished shortly before the malfunction, making the loss particularly significant. Investigators believe that wiring gaps or small openings in the machine’s structure might have enabled the mouse to gain access, where it chewed through bundles of high-value notes while nesting inside.
The incident has raised concerns about the security and maintenance standards of ATMs, especially in regions where they remain crucial for day-to-day financial transactions. Experts say this case highlights the importance of regular inspections, pest control measures, and robust machine design to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Financial institutions are also being urged to develop contingency plans to quickly address technical failures that leave machines vulnerable to such damage.
Bank officials have filed a report with local authorities and are working to determine the extent of the financial loss and potential insurance coverage. While customers’ deposits are not affected by the incident, the story has gone viral on social media, sparking humor and disbelief at the scale of the damage. Many users have shared the case as a cautionary tale of how unexpected vulnerabilities can disrupt financial systems, underscoring the need for vigilance even in seemingly secure environments.
