Jharsuguda: In a broad daylight robbery, three armed miscreants looted cash from the Bhikampali branch of Utkal Grameen Bank in Jharsuguda district on Monday.

Preliminary reports indicate around ₹1.5 lakh was looted, though the exact amount will be confirmed after a detailed audit of the remaining cash.

According to a bank employee, the miscreants, all wearing helmets, entered the bank around 2 PM and terrorised staff and customers by brandishing a gun.

Fearing that more people might enter the bank, that is located close to National Highway-49, the robbers quickly grabbed cash from the counter and fled the scene.

The Rengali police arrived soon after being informed and launched an investigation.

Police sources suspect the robbers may have escaped into neighbouring Chhattisgarh. All routes along the state border have been sealed as part of the ongoing manhunt.