Dehradun: Policemen on patrol duty on

’s Eve in

Dehradun

were taken aback when they saw a man kicking an

machine and trying to break it open.

The incident took place late on Monday when accused Pradeep Kumar Arya, who hails from Alwar in Rajasthan tried to break open the United Bank of India (UBI) ATM at Chawla Chowk near DAV PG College. He was in an inebriated condition and told police that he needed money to celebrate New Year.

Rajeev Rauthan, in-charge of Dalanwala police station, told TOI, “A patrolling party spotted him trying to break the ATM using a rod. He was immediately detained and later arrested.”

The accused, who is a law student of a private college and resides in Dehradun, has been booked under section 379 (theft), 511 (attempt to commit offence) and 427 (committing mischief) of Indian Penal Code. He was presented before the court on Tuesday and has been sent to judicial custody.