Police officers said the victim, Anil Menon, who claims to be a journalist, had entered the bank at 10.45 am. “I was standing in the queue with a black bag containing Rs 4 lakh. When my turn came, I went to the counter and the official asked for my PAN. I left my bag below the counter and went to call my family to confirm the number. When I came back, my bag was missing,” Menon told in his FIR.

Police officers said a case of theft has been registered against unknown people. The bank security guards and other staff are being questioned about the incident. The accused have not been identified yet and no arrests have been made, police said.

ICICI Bank officials, when contacted, said they will be co-operating with the police in the course of investigations. The CCTV footages at the bank have been given to the police.

“It is more a case of loss rather than theft. The bank officials can in no way be held responsible for the incident,” a bank official said on the condition of anonymity.