Suspected armed Maoists on Wednesday looted over Rs 84 lakh from a branch of the Punjab National Bank [Get Quote] in Purulia.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Prasad said eight motorcycle-borne miscreants came to the bank. While two of them stood guard outside, the others entered the bank situated in the heart of the town.

They assaulted the manager, brandished revolvers and looted Rs 84,15,000.

Later they fled towards Jharkhand by taking the Raghabpur Rail Gate route.

The bank is situated within 100 metres of the SP's and DM's office.

Incidentally, a gun shop was looted on Tuesday. When asked, the SP did not rule out the involvement of Maoists in both the incidents and said investigations were on.