Men Posing as RBI Officials Intercept ATM Cash Van and Steal Rs 7 Crore in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, unidentified men impersonating RBI officials intercepted an ATM cash van, stealing approximately Rs 7 crore. The police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects and ensure their capture.

In an unusual incident in Bengaluru, unidentified individuals posing as RBI officials intercepted an ATM cash van and escaped with approximately Rs seven crore. The robbery occurred near Ashoka Pillar while the van was transporting money from a bank in JP Nagar, according to police reports. Initially, it was believed that the culprits impersonated Income Tax officials.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects arrived in a car with a Government of India sticker. They stopped the cash vehicle under the pretext of verifying documents. The suspects then forced the van's staff into their car along with the cash. They allegedly drove towards Dairy Circle, dropped off the staff, and fled with the money.

Police Investigation Underway

City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated that the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon within Siddapura police station limits. "About Rs seven crore has been lost, but it is being verified, as the driver of the cash transporting van has not shared the correct information," he said. Over 50 CCTV footages are being reviewed to trace the vehicle's route and identify those involved.

Karnataka Home Minister H Parameshwara noted that such an incident had probably never happened in Bengaluru before. He assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits swiftly. "We have formed various teams, our teams have spread out across the city," he added.

Details of the Heist

The FIR filed by CMS Inno System Ltd's Branch Manager states that their vehicle left for a bank under supervision at 9:30 am on Wednesday. The team withdrew Rs 7.11 crore from JP Nagar HDFC Currency Chest and loaded it into their vehicle. While travelling via Jayanagar Ashoka Pillar, an SUV intercepted them.

The FIR further mentions that five to six men exited the SUV, claimed to be from RBI, and instructed them to step out of their vehicle. They took custodian Afthab and gunmen Rajanna and Tammayya in their Innova car, leaving only the driver with the cash vehicle.

Security Concerns Raised

The robbers allegedly intimidated the driver with a pistol and stole Rs 7.11 crore from the vehicle on Dairy Circle flyover. The complainant checked the vehicle's GPRS and confirmed its location near Hosur Road, Dairy Circle. Security Manager Syed Ahmad Pasha reported the matter after confirming details with other branch managers.

Parameshwara addressed reporters saying, "The incident shouldn't have happened... We have taken this seriously and are investigating." He mentioned they have certain leads but cannot disclose them yet. The CM has instructed police to take swift action.

Political Reactions

BJP State President B Y Vijayendra urged immediate arrest of those involved in this daylight robbery. He claimed that criminals seem fearless during Congress rule. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that looting has become synonymous with Brand Bengaluru.

Parameshwara later met with top police officials and briefed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about the incident. The CM has directed police to prioritise solving this case quickly. "Police have got some important leads and they are following it up," Parameshwara assured.

With inputs from PTI