Angul: Robbers on Saturday looted an Indian Bank branch at Harimouri Chhak here and decamped with cash worth Rs 8 lakh besides jewellery.

They, around six in number, also took with them hard discs of CCTV cameras. Bank manager S.R. Mahapatra was injured in their attack. He was admitted to nearby hospital for treatment with a head injury.

Police have launched a manhunt to nab the robbers. Deputy inspector general (north central) Narasingh Bhol reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

The branch located on the first floor of the building opened about 10am.

The manger and other employees entered the bank, along with about 10 customers.

As soon as they entered the branch, suddenly five to six armed men barged into the branch and overpowered all of them.

One of them brandishing a pistol terrorised the customers and huddled them into a room, while others started looting the strong room after snatching the key from an employee. A dacoit also hit the manager with his pistol, injuring him seriously.

Mahapatra said: "We were surprised when we saw men armed with pistol in the bank. They asked me for the key and hit me on my head with a pistol. They took away the key from my staff member and looted Rs 8 lakh and some ornaments."

Angul sub-divisional police officer Harihar Pani said: "So far, we have no clues. We have alerted our officials deployed at all entry and exit points of the district. Alerts have also been issued to the neighbouring districts regarding the bank loot."