KATHMANDU: A group of masked robbers looted a branch of Nepal SBI Bank in Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality of Sindhuli district on Tuesday evening, seriously injuring a security guard who tried to stop the attack, police said.

According to the District Police Office to Nepal News, a group of about half dozen assailants entered the bank at around 7 p.m., assaulted the on-duty security guard with a sharp weapon, and forced their way inside. The attackers restrained bank employees by tying their hands before looting cash from the premises.

Police said the security guard was injured while resisting the robbers and is currently receiving treatment at a local health post.

A police team has reached the scene, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact amount of money stolen. An investigation is under way, and security forces have launched an intensified search operation to track down the suspects. The incident has once again raised concerns over bank security in rural regions of Nepal.