Broken ATM in India Turns Bizarre as Technicians Discover Dead Rat and Shredded Currency
In a bizarre and unforgettable event, a broken ATM in India revealed a scene that left both bank officials and technicians stunned. The unusual incident occurred in 2016 when maintenance staff were called to repair a malfunctioning cash machine. What they found inside was something no one could have imagined a dead rat surrounded by torn banknotes worth nearly $19,000, chewed into tiny, unusable pieces.
The technicians had initially arrived assuming the machine had stopped working due to a mechanical fault. However, upon opening it, they discovered that a small rodent had somehow entered the sealed unit and made its way into the cash storage compartment. In an attempt to gnaw through the material, the rat had shredded stacks of currency notes before eventually dying inside the machine. The sight of the destroyed money scattered around the rodent’s remains became one of the most talked-about ATM incidents in the country.
Broken ATM Incident Leaves Bank Authorities Stunned After Rodent Devours Cash
The bank immediately launched an internal investigation to understand how the rodent had gained access to such a secure machine. ATMs are designed with multiple layers of protection, including sealed compartments and reinforced interiors. Yet, this rare occurrence suggested a possible breach in maintenance or a gap in the ATM’s external casing. Experts speculated that the rat might have entered through a small opening in the machine’s wiring or ventilation area, which is usually sealed but may have been left exposed during previous servicing.
While the total loss was estimated at around $19,000, the incident raised broader concerns about ATM security and the need for stricter maintenance checks. Bank authorities were quick to reassure customers that the situation was an isolated one and did not compromise the safety of their deposits. However, the event did prompt financial institutions across the region to review their ATM installation and inspection procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Also Read: A Shocking Case: Disturbing Child Marriage in Pakistan Where an 11-Year-Old Gave Birth at 12
Local reports at the time highlighted how the machine had been out of service for several days before technicians were dispatched. This delay likely gave the rodent enough time to enter the unit, build a temporary nest, and begin gnawing through the stacks of currency. By the time the problem was discovered, most of the notes were beyond repair, leaving the bank with significant financial damage and a highly unusual explanation.
Broken ATM Sparks Investigation Into How Rodent Accessed Machine and Destroyed Money
Incidents involving animals and banking machines are rare, but this case is not entirely unique. In other parts of the world, there have been instances of snakes, lizards, and even insects disrupting ATMs and electrical units. However, few cases have involved such a large amount of destroyed money, making the broken ATM story in India stand out as one of the most unusual in recent memory.
For many, the story also highlighted the unpredictable challenges faced by banks in maintaining technology in diverse environments. From weather damage to unexpected wildlife interference, cash machines often encounter problems that go far beyond mechanical faults. In this case, a seemingly harmless rodent ended up causing thousands of dollars in losses and significant embarrassment for the bank involved.
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion:
The strange case of the broken ATM in India, where a rat destroyed nearly $19,000 before dying inside, remains a reminder of how even the most secure systems can face unexpected risks. While the incident did not affect customer funds, it prompted banks to strengthen inspection procedures and highlighted the need for vigilance in maintaining essential financial infrastructure.
