However, they admitted that basic safety procedures like changing the route while carrying cash daily were not adhered to. Speaking to Express Newsline on the condition of anonymity, the workers at the Aarey extension counter of the bank said that the Armada jeep used to collect cash from the counter and take it to the head office at Fort through the same route everyday. ``Even the timings for collection remained the same, which must have been taken note of by the robbers,'' said an employee.

The extension counter caters exclusively to the employees of Mahananda Dairy complex and covers an area of 800 sq feet. The counter is operated by a staff of eight including two officers. This was the first such incident in the history of the 87-year-old bank which has 32 branches in the city.

Sub Inspector Vilas Deshmukh of Vile Parle police station, who is investigating the case, today questioned various officials at the head office of the bank and took back documents like pay slips, cash registers and bank statements.

Pramod Patil, the cashier who was present in van at the time of the robbery, refused to speak. Recounting the incident, watchman Baban Jagtap (56), who was injured, said, ``Two cars came in and obstructed our jeep. We could not do anything. The robbers began throwing soda water bottles and stone on jeep shattering windscreen and side glasses.'' Shards of glass lodged in his face, back, hand and leg.

When the robbers approached the jeep Baban fired at them from his revolver but missed the target. One robber hit him on his left hand injuring his thumb which needed five stitches. ``I'm not concerned about the injuries. But I am sorry that I couldn't save the money,'' said the former army man who had joined the bank in 1986.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone VIII S D Date refused to comment on the progress of the investigation. ``We have got some clues but it is too premature to disclose them,'' he said.